Hurricane the storm Gains Power While Heads Towards the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.
The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Storm Threat
A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.
Immediate Safety Steps
With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.
Regional Impact
Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Path
The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.
Climate Background
Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.
