Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.
Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.
Most Intense Hurricane Threat
A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"However the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."
Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Regional Consequences
Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Projected Path
The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.
By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.
Climate Connection
Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.
Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.
Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.
