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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.