Hurricane the storm Gains Power While Barrels Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.
The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.
Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.
This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Hurricane Risk
A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.
Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.
Immediate Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.
The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"However the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."
Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Broader Impact
Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Course
This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.
By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.
Environmental Background
While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.
Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.
