Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Heads Towards Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.
The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Highest-Level Hurricane Risk
A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.
Critical Preparations
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Broader Impact
Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.
By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.
Climate Background
While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.
Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.
Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.
