Hurricane Melissa Intensifies While Moves Toward Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.
The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.
Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Storm Risk
A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.
Critical Preparations
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."
Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Wider Effects
Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Projected Course
Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.
Environmental Background
Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.
Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.
Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.