Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Moves Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.
The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Hurricane Risk
A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged climate experts.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.
Regional Impact
Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Future Course
Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.
By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.
Weather Context
Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.
