Cyclone the storm Intensifies As It Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.
The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.
The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.
Most Intense Hurricane Risk
A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.
Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.
The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Effects
Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Path
Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.
By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.
Environmental Context
While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.
Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.
Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.
