Hurricane Melissa: A Caribbean Catastrophe – Level 3

Reporting on Hurricane Melissa, which is sweeping through the Caribbean. It has been labeled the storm of the century in Jamaica and the most severe in the nation’s history, according to the World Meteorological Organization. The hurricane reached the southwestern coast of Jamaica and has since traversed the country. Its trajectory now points towards Cuba, with the potential to impact the Bahamas, located in close proximity to Florida, USA.

Initially forming as a Category 5 hurricane, the highest possible rating, Melissa possesses a significant potential for destruction. The hurricane has caused seven deaths so far: three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. Jamaican officials report grave damage to public infrastructure, including hospitals, with over 500,000 residents left without electricity. The Red Cross estimates that 1.5 million people will be directly affected. Scientists explain that the hurricane’s immense power, with winds reaching nearly 300 km/h, is due to the Caribbean waters being much warmer than normal. This allows the hurricane to absorb more water vapor and heat, intensifying its strength. Meteorologists are particularly concerned by the slow velocity of the hurricane’s eye. This slow movement prolongs its presence over a region, thus amplifying the destructive power of its winds, a behavior reminiscent of the devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

New Words:

1. Trajectory: The path that a moving object follows through space.
Example: The scientists carefully calculated the asteroid’s trajectory.

2. Meteorologists: Scientists who study the Earth’s atmosphere and its weather patterns to make forecasts.
Example: Meteorologists are predicting heavy rainfall for the upcoming week.

3. Velocity: The speed of something moving in a specific direction.
Example: The velocity of the wind was so high that it knocked down several trees.