Jamaica Braces for Powerful Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa is on a collision course with Jamaica, expected to hit as a category 4 storm with winds over 130 mph. This storm is not to be taken lightly, as it can cause severe damage and flooding. The storm is currently moving northwest and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). Melissa is the 13th hurricane of this Atlantic season, which usually ends in November. A category 4 hurricane is extremely dangerous, with winds that can cause catastrophic damage. Even though Melissa is expected to weaken before reaching Jamaica, the NHC warns that the impact will still be severe. Residents are being told to take immediate action to protect themselves and their homes. The NHC advises that preparations should be completed as soon as possible, as tropical storm-strength winds and rain are already expected to hit central Jamaica, including the capital, Kingston. The hurricane is expected to bring up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13 feet above ground. This can lead to life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, has urged residents to stay calm but be prepared. He advised securing homes with sandbags and wooden boards and stocking up on essentials. Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti, including the capital, Port-au-Prince, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba. Melissa is expected to bring similar effects to these areas by the middle of next week. Landslides caused by the hurricane have already killed two people in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antilles Mayores and out into the Atlantic. By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category 3 storm. Scientists say that climate change is making weather phenomena like hurricanes more common and more severe. Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, which helps fuel the formation of hurricanes. Ahead of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa, where Atlantic storms often form.