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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.