Cyclone Melissa Gains Power As It Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.
The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.
The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Category Five Hurricane Danger
A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.
Critical Readiness Measures
With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.
The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"However the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.
Wider Consequences
Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Projected Trajectory
This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.
Weather Connection
While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.
Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.