Tropical Storm the storm Gains Power As It Heads Towards Jamaica
Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.
The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.
Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.
This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.
Most Intense Hurricane Risk
A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.
Immediate Safety Steps
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"However the best way to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."
Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.
Regional Impact
Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.
Projected Trajectory
The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.
Climate Connection
Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.
Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.
