Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger While Heads In the Direction of Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.
Highest-Level Hurricane Threat
A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.
Urgent Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.
The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Effects
Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Path
This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.
By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.
Weather Background
Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.