Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Heads Towards Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.
Most Intense Hurricane Risk
A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.
While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"But the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."
Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Consequences
Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Weather Connection
Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.
Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.
Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.