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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Context

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.