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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.