Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Heads Toward Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.
The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.
The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Hurricane Threat
A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.
Critical Safety Steps
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."
Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Impact
Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.
Future Path
The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.
Climate Background
Although it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.
Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.
