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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.