Cyclone the storm Intensifies As It Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.
Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Most Intense Hurricane Danger
A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."
Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Regional Effects
Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.
Expected Trajectory
This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.
Environmental Background
While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.