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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.