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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.