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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, 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.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Context

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.