Hurricane Melissa Intensifies As It Heads Towards Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.
The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.
This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Storm Threat
A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.
Wider Impact
Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Trajectory
The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.
Weather Connection
Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
