Hurricane Warning now in effect for Jamaica

The Meteorological Service has upgraded the Hurricane Watch to a HURRICANE WARNING for Jamaica as dangerous Hurricane Dean continues on a path towards the island. This means that the following dangerous effects of a hurricane are expected to affect Jamaica in 24 hours or less:



- Dangerously high water and/or exceptionally high waves, even though winds expected may be less than hurricane force; or



- Average winds of 118 km/h (64 knots or 75 mph) or higher.



At 10:00 a.m. the centre of Hurricane Dean was located near Latitude 15.7 degrees North, Longitude 68.6 degrees West. This is about 340 km (210 miles) south-southeast of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, or 840 km (525 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.



Dean is moving towards the west-northwest near 28 km/h (17 mph) and a general west to west-northwestward motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours.



Maximum sustained winds remain near 240 km/h (150 mph), with higher gusts, and further strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward approximately 95 km (60 miles), while tropical storm force winds extend as far as 335 km (205 miles) from the centre.



On the current forecast track, Hurricane Dean is expected to move south of Hispaniola today and early Sunday before tracking across Jamaica on Sunday afternoon. Outer bands of the hurricane could, however, start affecting the island by late tonight with increasing cloudiness, showers and gusty winds. As the centre of Dean moves closer to the coastline, expect heavy rainfall capable of producing flash floods and landslides, as well as hurricane-force winds across the island and storm surges over coastal areas.



All small craft operators are reminded to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.



The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of Hurricane Dean. All interests should pay special attention to subsequent Releases.



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