Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Barrels Towards Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.
Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Most Intense Storm Danger
A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.
Critical Preparations
With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."
Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Effects
Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.
Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.
Projected Path
Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.
By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Climate Connection
Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of storms.
Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.
