KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaicans are being urged to brace for what is projected to be a more active than usual hurricane season.

Evan Thompson, manager of the Weather Branch at the island’s at Meteorological Services Office speaking at this morning’s post cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House in St Andrew said it would be a “challenging year”.

[ video link for mobile viewing ]

“We expect about 50 per cent above normal chances of a tropical cyclone developing,” Thompson said.

He said expectations are that as many as 20 systems will develop during the season. In the meantime Thompson warned that there is also a projected 100 per cent above normal change of a major hurricane developing with a strong likelihood that such a system will directly impact the Caribbean.

“Only preparedness will avert disaster,” he cautioned.

The hurricane season which officially began on June 1 ends in November.
Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/