🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

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

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

While it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.