Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger As It Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation
Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.
This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.
Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Cyclone Danger
A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.
Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"But the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Broader Consequences
Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Trajectory
Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.
Weather Connection
Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.
Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of storms.
Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.