Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Barrels Towards Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.
This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.
Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.
Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Category Five Storm Danger
A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.
Critical Safety Steps
With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"However the best way to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.
Broader Consequences
Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.
Future Course
Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Weather Context
While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.
