Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Moves Toward Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.
This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.
Most Intense Storm Threat
A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.
Urgent Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised climate experts.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"However the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.
Regional Impact
Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Path
This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.
Climate Background
Although it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.
