🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.