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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.