Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels Toward Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.
Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.
Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.
Category Five Storm Threat
A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.
Immediate Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.
The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."
Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.
Wider Impact
Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Path
Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.
Environmental Background
While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.
Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.
Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.