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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.