La Tropical Storm Matthew has intensified and has been classified as a category 2 hurricane, according to the report of the United States National Hurricane CenterWith sustained winds reaching 120 km/hThis cyclone followed an unusual trajectory, affecting islands such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, which are traditionally not in the path of these meteorological phenomena due to their position in the Dutch Caribbean, far from the "hurricane belt."
Matthew began its journey through the Lesser Antilles on Wednesday and became category 1 hurricane on Thursday, going up to 2 category on Friday. So far, one has been confirmed died in the eastern Caribbean and minor damage has been reported in Barbados, where several trees have fallen and power outages have occurred.
The Colombian government has launched a tropical storm warning From Riohacha to the Venezuelan border. The threat of the hurricane has led to long lines at gas stations and supermarkets. Furthermore, in Curaçao, the previous parliamentary elections have been postponed due to the situation.
During this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1, a total of thirteen tropical storms, of which five have evolved into hurricanes. How five hurricanes formed this year.
- Alex: The first January hurricane in the Atlantic since 1938, which formed on January 14 and was a Category 1 hurricane.
- Earl: Formed on August 6, also classified as a Category 1 hurricane.
- Gaston: This hurricane reached Category 3 status on August 22.
- Hermine: It formed on August 28, again becoming a Category 1 hurricane.
- Matthew: It reached Category 1 hurricane status on September 29 and became a Category 2 hurricane the following day.
La NOAA has warned that this hurricane season is more active than normal, estimating that they will form between 12 to 17 tropical storms, of which between 5 and 8 will become hurricanes, and it is expected that between 2 and 4 are of higher category.
Matthew, the fifth hurricane of the current season, is moving at a speed of 14 miles per hour (24 km/h), and is located 130 miles (210 kilometers) northeast of Punta Gallinas, Colombia, and 520 miles (840 kilometers) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Aruba, and the hurricane is expected to turn northwestward over the weekend, potentially affecting Jamaica, Cuba, and parts of Haiti.
NHC experts predict that Matthew will continue to strengthen, becoming a major hurricane in the coming hours. Total rainfall accumulation in some areas could reach up to 4 inches (10cm) in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, as well as heavy rains on the Colombian coast.
The threat of dangerous waves and storm surge is expected along the coasts of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Caribbean region affected by Matthew. Authorities have warned of the possibility of flash flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous and coastal areas.
The importance of forecasting and preparing for these extreme weather events is critical. Communities located in areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes should be prepared to evacuate and follow the recommendations of authorities. Staying informed through weather forecasts is essential to reducing damage and protecting lives.
It's understandable that this phenomenon is causing concern not only for the physical damage it may cause, but also for the social and economic consequences that are already beginning to be seen in the affected areas.
Furthermore, it is essential to remember that the mangroves and other natural barriers They play an important role in protecting coasts from hurricanes, acting as a kind of shield that can reduce the force of waves and the impact of hurricane-strength winds. For more information on how the climate relates to these phenomena, you can consult How climate change affects the displacement of people.
