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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Context

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.