Cyclone the storm Intensifies As It Heads Toward Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a rare category five storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.
The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.
This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Category Five Cyclone Danger
A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.
Immediate Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"But the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.
Wider Consequences
Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Future Course
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Environmental Background
Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.
Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.
