Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies While Moves In the Direction of Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.
This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Highest-Level Cyclone Danger
A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.
The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"Yet the best way to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.
Wider Effects
Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.
Environmental Background
Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.
Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.
Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.
