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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.