Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger As It Barrels Toward Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Cyclone Danger
A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
While this storm is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Impact
Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Projected Path
This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.
Weather Background
Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.
Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.
Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.
