🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a rare category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

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

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.