Cyclone Melissa Gains Power As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.
The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Highest-Level Cyclone Threat
A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised weather authorities.
The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Regional Consequences
Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Future Course
Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Environmental Connection
Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.
Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
