🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation The hurricane has impacted Haiti and the Dominican Republic Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare highest-level storm as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides. The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists. Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told. The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month. Most Intense Storm Threat A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island. Critical Preparations With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities. The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies. Broader Effects Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services. Expected Trajectory This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic. By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm. Environmental Context Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme. Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones. Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.