Hurricane the storm Gains Power While Heads Towards Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.
This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.
Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.
Highest-Level Hurricane Threat
A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.
Immediate Safety Steps
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.
The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"Yet the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Regional Effects
Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Projected Trajectory
The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.
Weather Background
Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.
Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.
Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.