Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Cyclone Threat
A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.
Immediate Preparations
With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.
The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Wider Consequences
Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Course
Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.
By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.
Environmental Context
Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.
Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.
