Hurricane Dean now a possible threat to Jamaica

Hurricane DEAN, which formed east of the Lesser Antilles yesterday, continues to strengthen while moving westward over the eastern Caribbean.



At 10:00 a.m. the centre of Hurricane Dean was located near Latitude 14.6 degrees North, Longitude 62.6 degrees West. This is about 170 kilometres (105 miles) west of Martinique or close to 1500 kilometres (940 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.



Dean is moving towards the west near 33 km/h (21 mph) and this general motion is expected to continue at a slightly slower forward speed during the next 24 hours.



Dean is now a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 165 km/h (105 mph), and higher gusts, and some strengthening is forecast during the next

24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward approximately 35 kilometres (25 miles), while tropical storm force winds extend as far as 295 kilometres (185 miles) from the centre.



On its current forecast track, Hurricane Dean is expected to become a major hurricane while moving over the central Caribbean Sea and before moving over or very close to Jamaica on Sunday morning. Outer bands of the hurricane could, therefore, begin to affect eastern parishes of the island by Saturday evening

with periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds.



Fishers on the cays and banks are advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland. Other small craft operators in our coastal waters are advised to return to port and those in port are advised not to venture out.



The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system, and all interests should pay special attention to subsequent Releases.



The next Bulletin on Hurricane Dean will be issued at 2:00 p.m.