Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.
Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.
Category Five Storm Risk
A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Consequences
Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.
Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Projected Path
This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.
Weather Connection
Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.
Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.
Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.
