Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger As It Heads In the Direction of Jamaica
Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.
The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.
Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Highest-Level Cyclone Danger
A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.
Critical Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."
Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Consequences
Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.
Projected Trajectory
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.
Climate Connection
Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.
Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.
Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.