Hurricane the storm Intensifies While Moves Toward the Island Nation
Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.
Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Category Five Hurricane Threat
A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.
The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."
Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.
Wider Consequences
Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Course
The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Weather Connection
Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.