Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Heads Toward Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.
The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.
Most Intense Cyclone Risk
A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.
Urgent Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.
The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."
Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Regional Impact
Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Expected Path
The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.
By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.
Environmental Background
While it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.