Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Towards Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.
This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Category Five Hurricane Threat
A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."
Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Regional Impact
Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.
Future Course
The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.
By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.
Weather Background
Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
