Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Moves Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.
This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.
Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.
Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.
Most Intense Storm Danger
A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.
Critical Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Broader Effects
Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Future Trajectory
Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.
By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.
Climate Background
Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.
Before the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.
