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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

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

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.