Hurricane Melissa Intensifies While Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation
Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns towards Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.
The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.
Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.
The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Category Five Storm Danger
A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.
Critical Preparations
With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"However the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."
Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Regional Consequences
Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Trajectory
Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.
Weather Context
Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.
Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.