Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.
Category Five Storm Threat
A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.
While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.
Critical Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," urged weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."
Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.
Regional Impact
Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Projected Trajectory
Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.
By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level storm.
Environmental Context
Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.
Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
