Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.
Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.
Most Intense Storm Risk
A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.
Critical Readiness Measures
With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.
Broader Impact
Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.
Expected Trajectory
The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.
By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Environmental Context
Although it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.
Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.