Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger As It Heads Toward the Island Nation
Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a rare Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.
The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.
Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Category Five Cyclone Risk
A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.
Critical Readiness Measures
With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.
The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Broader Impact
Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Projected Path
The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.
Weather Connection
Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.
Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.
Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.