Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.
This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.
Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.
Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.
Highest-Level Cyclone Risk
A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"However the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."
Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.
Broader Consequences
Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Path
The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.
Climate Background
Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.
Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.
Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.
