Hurricane the storm Intensifies While Heads Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.
Melissa is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.
Highest-Level Storm Danger
A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.
Immediate Preparations
With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.
Wider Impact
Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Projected Course
The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.
Climate Context
Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.
Before the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
