Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Heads Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.
The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.
Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Most Intense Storm Danger
A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.
The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"Yet the best way to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.
Broader Impact
Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.
Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Future Path
The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Environmental Connection
While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.
Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.
