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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.