The Caribbean’s biggest tropical storm so far this year, Hurricane Dean, has left Jamaica and is on course for Mexican’s tourist hotspot, the Yucatan Peninsula.
Power supplies in Jamaica have been cut off, areas are under curfew and the Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency in the wake of devastation left by Dean’s 75 mile-per-hour winds.
However, experts say the island has had a lucky escape. The eye of the storm, which has winds of around 140 mph, did not touch Jamaica’s shore.
Neighbouring islands the Cayman Islands are next in line, but Mexico is likely to be the hardest hit, as Hurricane Dean is expected to pick up force again before it reaches the country.
The National Hurricane Centre in Miami forecasts Dean’s strength will grow to a category five storm, the strongest grade.
Hurricane Dean has been responsible for the deaths of six people in the eastern Caribbean since last week.
The misery is set to continue for the next two to three months. Earlier this summer, experts warned 2007 would be one of the worst years on record for hurricanes and tropical storms.
By Lisa James
