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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

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

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.