Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger As It Heads Towards Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.
Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Cyclone Risk
A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.
While this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.
Urgent Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.
Regional Consequences
Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.
Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Course
This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.
Weather Background
Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.
Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.
Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.
