Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.
The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.
Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Hurricane Threat
A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.
While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.
Critical Safety Steps
With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Effects
Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.
Expected Trajectory
Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.
Weather Context
While it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.
Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.
