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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.