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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.