Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.
The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.
Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.
The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.
Category Five Cyclone Danger
A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.
Broader Effects
Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.
Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.
Future Course
Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.
Environmental Context
Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.
Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.
Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.
