Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.
The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.
Category Five Cyclone Threat
A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised climate experts.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."
Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Regional Effects
Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Future Path
This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.
By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.
Environmental Connection
Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.
Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
