Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger As It Moves Toward Jamaica
Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.
This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.
Most Intense Hurricane Danger
A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
Even though this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.
Critical Preparations
With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Effects
Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Path
The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Environmental Connection
While it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.
Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
