🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

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

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.