Cyclone Melissa Gains Power While Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.
The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.
The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Category Five Cyclone Risk
A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.
Critical Preparations
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"However the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.
Regional Impact
Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Path
This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.
By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.
Climate Context
While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.
Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.