Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation
Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.
The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from weather experts.
Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends 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 this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.
Immediate Safety Steps
With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.
The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"However the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."
Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Regional Consequences
Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Trajectory
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.
Weather Context
Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.
Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.