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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.