Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger As It Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.
The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.
Highest-Level Cyclone Risk
A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.
Urgent Safety Steps
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."
Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Wider Impact
Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.
Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.
Expected Trajectory
Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.
By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.
Weather Connection
Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.
Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.