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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

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

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is challenging to connect individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.