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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.