Cyclone the storm Gains Power While Heads Towards Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.
Highest-Level Hurricane Threat
A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."
Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Wider Consequences
Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.
Projected Trajectory
Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.
Weather Background
While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.
Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.
