Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger As It Heads Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.
This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.
This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Category Five Hurricane Danger
A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.
Critical Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.
Regional Impact
Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Projected Trajectory
Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.
Weather Connection
Even though it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.
Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.
Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.
