Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger While Heads Toward Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.
Category Five Hurricane Risk
A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.
The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"But the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.
Wider Effects
Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.
Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Path
Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.
Weather Connection
While it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.
Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.
Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
