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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.