Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Moves Towards Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.
This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.
Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.
The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.
Most Intense Hurricane Threat
A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."
Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.
Wider Consequences
Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Path
The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.
By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.
Environmental Connection
Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.
Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.
Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
