Cyclone the storm Intensifies While Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a rare category five storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.
This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Hurricane Threat
A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised climate experts.
The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.
Wider Impact
Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Course
The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.
By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.
Climate Connection
While it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.
Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.