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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.