Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Heads Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.
The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.
The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.
Most Intense Hurricane Threat
A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.
Critical Safety Steps
With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Impact
Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Path
This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane.
Weather Connection
While it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.
Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.
