Cyclone Melissa Gains Power As It Barrels Towards the Island Nation
Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.
The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.
The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Category Five Storm Threat
A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.
Immediate Preparations
With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"However the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."
Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.
Broader Impact
Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Expected Path
Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.
By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.
Weather Connection
While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.