“Tropical Storm Melissa Crawls at Walking Speed, Marking Troubling Atlantic Trend”
Tropical Storm Melissa is set to traverse the Caribbean at a remarkably slow pace, potentially covering just two miles per hour. This movement is even less than the average walking speed of an individual. Despite being classified as a tropical storm, Melissa is forecasted to strengthen and could eventually reach hurricane status.
Tropical Storm Movement and Intensification
Hurricanes are influenced by larger weather patterns, such as cold fronts, which guide their speed and direction. Currently, the conditions are weak, allowing Melissa to linger longer in the vicinity, presenting a risk of significant rainfall.
- Current pace: 2 miles per hour
- Potential hurricane strength: Category 3 or higher
- Location: Caribbean Sea
Current Conditions in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Sea is experiencing unusually high water temperatures, offering ample energy that can contribute to the storm’s intensification. Meteorologist Kerry Emanuel from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology notes that the intensity potential is notably higher than average for this time of year.
The Growing Concern of Slow-Moving Storms
Recent studies indicate that slow-moving storms are becoming more common in the Atlantic, particularly near land. As storms decelerate, they tend to deposit more rainfall and produce greater storm surges.
- Increased flooding risk: Slow-moving storms lead to prolonged rainfall.
- Global warming’s potential role: Some researchers link storm slowdowns to climate change.
While Kieran Bhatia from the global risk company Guy Carpenter acknowledges a correlation between storm speed and potential climate changes, he emphasizes that these findings are not yet conclusively linked to human-induced factors. Studies have shown that tropical storms in the United States have been slowing down, indicating a growing trend that warrants attention.
Impact of Tropical Storm Melissa
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, specific regions like Jamaica and Hispaniola face heightened flooding risks. The proximity of the storm to the land, combined with geological features, could enhance rainfall impacts over the coming days.
- Area of concern: Jamaica and Hispaniola
- Potential hazards: Extended heavy rains and significant flooding
Historical data illustrates that slow-moving storms can yield devastating rainfall, as evidenced by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which released record amounts of rain. With conditions ripe for more occurrences alike, Melissa’s slow crawl is a stark reminder of the changing dynamics in storm behavior.
