Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger As It Moves Toward Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.
Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.
Most Intense Storm Danger
A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.
Critical Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.
The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.
Regional Consequences
Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.
Projected Path
This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.
Weather Context
Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.
Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.
