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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.