🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.