Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger As It Heads In the Direction of Jamaica
Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.
The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Highest-Level Hurricane Threat
A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.
While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.
Wider Effects
Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.
Expected Trajectory
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.
Weather Connection
While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.
Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.
Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.