Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger As It Heads Towards Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.
The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.
Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Most Intense Storm Danger
A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Safety Steps
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.
The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.
"However the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."
Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Broader Effects
Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Projected Path
The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.
Environmental Context
Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.
Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.
Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.
