Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.
Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.
Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.
Most Intense Cyclone Risk
A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."
Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Consequences
Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.
Future Path
This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.
By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.
Climate Background
While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
