Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Heads Toward Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.
Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.
Category Five Hurricane Danger
A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"But the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.
Regional Consequences
Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Future Course
The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Weather Context
Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.
Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.
