Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Moves Toward Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.
This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Most Intense Cyclone Risk
A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.
Urgent Preparations
With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."
Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.
Wider Consequences
Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Trajectory
The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Environmental Connection
Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.
Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.
