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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.