Hurricane Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.
The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.
Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Cyclone Risk
A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
While the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"However the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.
Wider Consequences
Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Projected Course
Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.
By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.
Weather Connection
Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.
Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.
Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.
