Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.
The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Cyclone Threat
A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.
Urgent Safety Steps
With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"But the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."
Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.
Regional Impact
Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Projected Path
The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Environmental Connection
While it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.
Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.
