Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.
The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.
The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Category Five Cyclone Risk
A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.
Regional Effects
Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Projected Course
Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.
By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.
Climate Background
Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.
