Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Moves Toward Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.
The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Most Intense Storm Threat
A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."
Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Wider Consequences
Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Projected Trajectory
Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.
By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.
Environmental Connection
Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.