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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.