🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica The cyclone has impacted neighboring nations Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls. The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts. Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told. This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month. Most Intense Cyclone Threat A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. Even though this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island. Critical Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," advised climate experts. The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified. "But the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared." Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials. Broader Impact Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Projected Course This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic. By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm. Environmental Background Although it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe. Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of storms. Before the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.