Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Toward Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.
This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.
Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.
Most Intense Hurricane Danger
A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level 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 hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.
Critical Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."
Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Effects
Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Projected Course
Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.
By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.
Weather Connection
Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.