Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger As It Heads Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.
The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.
Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.
Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Storm Threat
A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although this storm is projected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.
Critical Preparations
With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Broader Effects
Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Projected Trajectory
The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.
Environmental Background
Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.
Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.
