Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves Towards the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.
This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Category Five Cyclone Threat
A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
While Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.
Immediate Safety Steps
With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"But the best way to address worry and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Regional Impact
Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.
Climate Background
Although it is challenging to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.
Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
