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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

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

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.