Cyclone Melissa Intensifies While Moves Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.
The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.
Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.
This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Hurricane Risk
A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.
Critical Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"However the best way to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.
Wider Effects
Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Expected Course
This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.
By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.
Climate Context
While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.
Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.
Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.