Hurricane Melissa Intensifies While Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.
This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates 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 urged.
Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Cyclone Danger
A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.
Critical Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities.
The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."
Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.
Regional Impact
Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Course
The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.
By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.
Climate Background
Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.
Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.
Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.