Hurricane Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Hurricane Risk
A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.
Critical Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Wider Effects
Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Course
This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.
By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.
Weather Context
While it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.
