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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities 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 impacts the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.