Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.
The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Cyclone Risk
A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged climate experts.
The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"However the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."
Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Regional Effects
Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Course
This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.
Environmental Context
Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of storms.
Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.