Hurricane the storm Gains Power While Heads Towards Jamaica
Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.
Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.
The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.
Most Intense Storm Danger
A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Effects
Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Course
Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.
Climate Context
While it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.
Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.