Cyclone Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Towards Jamaica
Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.
This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.
Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.
Highest-Level Storm Danger
A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.
The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"However the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Broader Impact
Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Path
The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.
By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.
Weather Connection
Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.
Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.
Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.
