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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.