Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger As It Moves Towards the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.
This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.
This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.
Most Intense Hurricane Threat
A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.
While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Safety Steps
With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"However the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Broader Impact
Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.
Environmental Connection
Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.
Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.
Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.
