Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Barrels Towards Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.
Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.
Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.
Category Five Cyclone Threat
A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.
Critical Safety Steps
With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.
Regional Consequences
Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti 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 storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.
Expected Path
The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.
Climate Connection
Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.
Before the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.
