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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

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

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

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

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.