🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.