Tropical Storm the storm Intensifies As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.
The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.
Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.
This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Storm Risk
A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.
Critical Preparations
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.
The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Broader Consequences
Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Expected Course
The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.
By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.
Climate Background
Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.
Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.
