Hurricane Dean begins to influence weather over Jamaica

A Hurricane Warning remains posted for Jamaica as weather conditions begin to deteriorate over sections of the country under the influence of Hurricane Dean. The dangerous effects of a hurricane are still expected to affect Jamaica within 24 hours.



At 7:00 a.m. the centre of Hurricane Dean was located near Latitude 16.8 degrees North, Longitude 74.3 degrees West. This is about 225 km (140 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.



Dean continues to move westward near 30 km/h (18 mph) and this general motion is expected to continue today.



Maximum sustained winds remain near 230 km/h (145 mph), with higher gusts, making Dean a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale; however, fluctuations in strength remain a possibility. Hurricane force winds extend outward approximately 95 km (60 miles), while tropical storm force winds extend 335 km (205 miles) from the centre.



Satellite imagery indicates that spiral bands associated with the hurricane have begun to spread across the island, starting with eastern parishes. Residents can expect increasing rainfall this morning along with gusty winds rapidly reaching tropical-storm strength. Severe flash-flooding and landslides are likely to occur across the country.



Based on the official forecast track, the centre of Hurricane Dean is expected to begin moving over the waters just south of Jamaica early this afternoon and then follow a path adjacent to the coastline throughout the rest of the day. During this period, hurricane-force winds are likely to be experienced by most of the island, generating dangerous storm surges and battering waves along coastal areas of mainly southern parishes.



All interests should continue to monitor subsequent Releases from the Meteorological Service. The next Bulletin on Hurricane Dean will be issued at 11:00 a.m.