Hurricane Melissa Intensifies While Heads Towards Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Most Intense Storm Risk
A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."
Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.
Wider Consequences
Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Path
This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.
Weather Connection
Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.
Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.
Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.