🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Context

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.