Cyclone Melissa Intensifies While Barrels Towards the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a rare category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.
The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.
Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.
Category Five Storm Threat
A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.
Critical Preparations
With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Effects
Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Projected Trajectory
Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.
Weather Context
Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.
Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.
Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.