Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger While Barrels Towards Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.
The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Category Five Hurricane Threat
A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.
Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.
Critical Safety Steps
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"Yet the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Wider Impact
Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Projected Trajectory
The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.
By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.
Weather Context
Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.
Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.
Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.
