🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference 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-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.