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Dean Plows Into Jamaica

Hurricane sets its sights on the Caymans

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2007 8:48 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Hurricane Dean struck Jamaica today, swamping the streets of Kingston and leaving devastation in its wake as it swept west across the Caribbean. The center of the Category 4 storm missed the island by a few miles, Reuters reports, but passed close enough to bring down numerous trees and utility poles, cause mudslides, and tear the roofs off houses.

The government instituted a 48-hour curfew and encouraged residents to evacuate to shelters, but many refused. "If you come by here later today you will see me drinking rum," said a Port Royal resident. The storm was moving west at about 20mph; forecasters expect it to clear Jamaica and strike the Caymans before proceeding to the Yucatan and central Mexico.

Jamaicans run toward a shelter in Kingston during the pass of Hurricane Dean over Jamaica, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007. Hurricane Dean pummeled this country with strong winds and torrential rains after Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller made a last-minute plea for residents to abandon their homes and head for...
Jamaicans run toward a shelter in Kingston during the pass of Hurricane Dean over Jamaica, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007. Hurricane Dean pummeled this country with strong winds and torrential rains after Jamaican...   (Associated Press)
A young boy runs under the rain and wind on a street of Kingston during the pass of Hurricane Dean over Jamaica, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007. Hurricane Dean pummeled Jamaica with strong winds and torrential rains after Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller made a last-minute plea for residents to abandon...
A young boy runs under the rain and wind on a street of Kingston during the pass of Hurricane Dean over Jamaica, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007. Hurricane Dean pummeled Jamaica with strong winds and torrential...   (Associated Press)
A palm tree is shown resisting the strong winds of Hurricane Dean at the waterfront boulevard in downtown Kingston, Jamaica, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007. Hurricane Dean pummeled this country with strong winds and torrential rains after Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller made a last-minute plea for residents to abandon...
A palm tree is shown resisting the strong winds of Hurricane Dean at the waterfront boulevard in downtown Kingston, Jamaica, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007. Hurricane Dean pummeled this country with strong winds...   (Associated Press)
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Some residents refuse to evacuate
Jamaica Observer

Coverage of the hurricane coverage
Fishbowl NY

A roundup of the storm's path and aftermath
Miami Herald

PM calls for residents to find shelter as tourists take cover
Associated Press

 
Jamaica • Kingston • Caribbean • Cayman Islands • hurricane • Hurricane Dean • Port Royal

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