Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Barrels Toward Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.
This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.
Highest-Level Hurricane Danger
A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"But the best way to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."
Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Wider Effects
Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Projected Path
The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.
By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Weather Background
While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.