Hurricane Melissa started as a maximum level 5 storm, which is very dangerous. It has a high potential for destruction. The storm has already caused the death of seven people: three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. In Jamaica, important buildings like hospitals were damaged, and over half a million people lost electricity. The Red Cross believes that 1.5 million people will be directly affected by the storm. Scientists explain that the hurricane is so strong because the Caribbean waters are warmer than usual. The storm absorbs this heat and water vapor, which gives it more power and makes it more destructive. The hurricane is also moving very slowly, so it stays in one place for a longer time, causing more damage.
New Words:
1. Hurricane: A very large and powerful storm with strong winds and heavy rain that forms over warm ocean waters.Example: The hurricane caused a lot of flooding in the coastal city.
2. Damage: Physical harm that is done to something, which makes it less valuable or useful.
Example: The fire caused serious damage to the school.
3. Destruction: The act of destroying something, or the state of being destroyed.
Example: The earthquake left a trail of destruction behind it.