Cyclone the storm Gains Power While Barrels Toward Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.
Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Hurricane Danger
A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.
Critical Safety Steps
With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"But the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."
Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.
Regional Consequences
Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Trajectory
The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.
By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.
Weather Background
While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.
Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.
