Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger While Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.
The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.
This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.
Most Intense Cyclone Threat
A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
While this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."
Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Effects
Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Course
This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm.
Weather Connection
Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.
Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.