Cyclone the storm Intensifies While Moves Towards Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.
Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.
The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.
Category Five Hurricane Risk
A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
While this storm is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Broader Effects
Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Expected Course
This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.
Environmental Background
Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.