Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger As It Heads Toward Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.
The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.
This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Highest-Level Hurricane Danger
A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"Yet the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."
Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Regional Impact
Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.
Future Trajectory
The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.
By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.
Climate Context
Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.
Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
