🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded 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 anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.