Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.
The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Cyclone Danger
A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.
Critical Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Regional Consequences
Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Projected Course
This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.
Environmental Background
While it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.
Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.
