Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Moves Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is projected to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.
The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.
Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Storm Threat
A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Safety Steps
With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."
Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Impact
Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.
By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.
Environmental Background
While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.
Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.