Jamaicans told to brace for active hurricane season

 

Manager of Weather Services at the Met Office, Rohan Brown, says Jamaicans should brace for an active hurricane season. 

 

He notes that the Met Office is predicting a few major hurricanes. 

 

"We're expecting anywhere between 13 to 19 named storms, with wind speeds of about 63 kilometers per hour. And of those, we're expecting anywhere between six to 10 hurricanes, with wind speeds of about 119 kilometers per hour. And from that, we're expecting anywhere between three to five major hurricanes, that is Category 3, 4 or 5," Mr. Brown outlined. 

 

The hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with August and September being its peak months. 

 

But Mr. Brown said hurricanes are now developing earlier than usual. 

 

"Hurricane Beryl system occurred in July. That is very early. You could say June was too soon. And a Category 5 in July is something to talk about. We're having more severe hurricanes. And when they develop, we just have to be prepared," he cautioned.