🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.