Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with record-tying 185 mph winds, showcasing alarming trends in the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones amid climate change.
- On Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, registering a staggering wind speed of 185 mph, tying it with the strongest storms recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Meteorologists noted that Hurricane Melissa defied typical weakening factors, demonstrating rapid intensification as it gained power even while approaching land.
- This hurricane is part of a concerning trend, as the increase in Atlantic hurricane activity is linked to rising sea temperatures and climate change, prompting urgent discussions about future preparedness.
Why It Matters
The unprecedented intensity of Hurricane Melissa signals a growing threat posed by extreme weather events due to climate change, raising urgent questions about preparedness and the resilience of coastal communities against future storms.