Hurricane Melissa Gains Power While Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is projected to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.
The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.
Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.
Category Five Hurricane Threat
A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.
Regional Consequences
Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.
Projected Path
Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.
By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.
Climate Background
While it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.
