Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Barrels Towards Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.
Category Five Cyclone Threat
A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.
The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."
Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.
Broader Consequences
Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Path
The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Weather Context
While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.
Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.
