Hurricane the storm Intensifies While Heads Towards Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.
The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Most Intense Cyclone Danger
A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.
Critical Preparations
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.
The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Wider Effects
Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.
Expected Course
Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.
Weather Background
Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.
Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.
Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.
