Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power While Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a infrequent category five storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.
The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.
This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.
Highest-Level Storm Risk
A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Wider Consequences
Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Course
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm.
Weather Connection
Even though it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.
Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of storms.
Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.