Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.
The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.
Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Storm Threat
A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.
Critical Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.
The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"However the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."
Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Regional Effects
Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.
By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Climate Context
Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.
Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
