Cyclone the storm Intensifies As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation
Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.
The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.
Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.
Category Five Hurricane Danger
A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
While this storm is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"Yet the best way to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."
Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Regional Effects
Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Trajectory
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.
Climate Connection
Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.