🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Moves Towards the Island Nation The cyclone has struck neighboring nations Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides. The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities. Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told. The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November. Category Five Cyclone Threat A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island. Critical Preparations With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," counseled weather authorities. The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready." Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities. Wider Impact Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Expected Path The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic. By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone. Weather Connection Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense. Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms. Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.