Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Heads Toward Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.
The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.
Category Five Storm Danger
A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.
Urgent Safety Steps
With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"Yet the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."
Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Broader Effects
Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Expected Path
Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.
By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.
Climate Context
Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.
Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.
Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.
