Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Towards the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.
Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Highest-Level Cyclone Danger
A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.
Urgent Safety Steps
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"But the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.
Broader Impact
Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.
Climate Background
Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.
Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.