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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

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

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.