Tropical Storm the storm Gains Power As It Moves Toward Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.
The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.
Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.
Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Cyclone Risk
A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.
Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"Yet the best way to address worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."
Residents are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.
Broader Consequences
Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.
Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Course
Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.
Environmental Background
Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.
Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.
