Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves Towards the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Storm Risk
A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.
Critical Safety Steps
With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised climate experts.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"But the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Regional Impact
Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Course
Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.
By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.
Weather Background
While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.
Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.
