Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.
This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.
The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Cyclone Danger
A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"But the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.
Broader Impact
Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Future Course
The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.
Weather Background
While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.
