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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

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

Most Intense Storm Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.