Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger While Heads Towards Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.
Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.
Highest-Level Hurricane Threat
A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
Although the hurricane is projected 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 cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.
Urgent Preparations
With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."
Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.
Broader Consequences
Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.
Future Course
Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.
By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.
Weather Context
Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
