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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

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

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.