Met Office - BULLETIN No. 15 - Effects of Hurricane Dean spreading across Jamaica

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Jamaica as heavy rains associated with Hurricane Dean begin to affect the island. This means that dangerous effects of a hurricane are still expected over Jamaica within 24 hours.



At 10:00 a.m. the centre of Hurricane Dean was located near Latitude 17.0 degrees North, Longitude 75.1 degrees West, or about 145 km (90 miles) southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica.



Dean has maintained a near westward track at 30 km/h (18 mph) and this general motion is expected to continue today.



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



Radar reports and satellite imagery indicate that rainfall in the spiral bands associated with the hurricane have been affecting eastern and some central parishes as they spread from east to west across the country. Residents should expect rainfall intensities to increase during the morning along with wind speeds, which will rapidly reach tropical-storm strength. Severe flash-flooding and life-threatening landslides are also likely to occur across the country.



Based on Dean’s official forecast track, the eye of the hurricane is expected to begin moving over the waters just south of Jamaica early this afternoon before tracing 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 initially along northeastern coastal areas and then along the southern coast.



All interests should continue to monitor subsequent Releases from the Meteorological Service. The next Bulletin on Hurricane Dean will be issued at 2:00 p.m.



This bulletin was posted at 11a.m.