Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.
Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Category Five Storm Danger
A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
While this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."
Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.
Regional Effects
Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Trajectory
The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.
Climate Context
While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.
Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.
Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.
