Tropical Storm the storm Gains Power As It Barrels Towards the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.
Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.
This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Category Five Hurricane Risk
A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.
Urgent Preparations
With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.
Regional Impact
Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Projected Course
This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.
Climate Context
While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.
Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.
