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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

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

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.