Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger As It Barrels Toward Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.
This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.
Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Hurricane Threat
A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.
Critical Preparations
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."
Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.
Broader Consequences
Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.
Projected Course
This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.
By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Climate Background
While it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.
Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.
Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.
