Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels Towards Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare category five cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.
This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.
This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.
Most Intense Storm Risk
A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.
Broader Impact
Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Trajectory
The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Weather Connection
Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.
Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.
Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.