Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger As It Moves Towards Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.
The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.
Category Five Hurricane Risk
A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.
Regional Consequences
Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Projected Path
This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.
Climate Context
While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.
Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.