Ping Catnip

Hey Lori I hope you are watching the news

Gulf Coast Prepares As Dean Hits Caribbean
Category 4 Storm Blamed In At Least 3 Deaths In Caribbean

POSTED: 11:01 am EDT August 14, 2007
UPDATED: 10:59 pm EDT August 17, 2007

While Hurricane Dean continues its path across the Caribbean, preparations
are underway in the United States.

Texas Gov. Rick Petty described the Category 4 storm as an "imminent threat"
and said the state was preparing for its arrival. Task forces that will
respond to the storm were put on alert and supply trucks and other resources
were put in position early along potential evacuation routes.

"It's so far out, but it's not too early to start preparing," said Perry
spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger. "We have more notice than with Erin. We're
glad for that especially since (Dean) is projected to bring some strength."

In Louisiana, Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency Friday in
order to allow local governments to move forward with their own emergency
plans if they choose to do so. It also allows Louisiana to bill the federal
government for certain things should Dean shift course and hit Louisiana.

However, forecasts revealed little chance that Dean would move northward
toward Louisiana. Instead, it's expected to tear across the Gulf of Mexico
and threaten Mexico or Texas on Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded Hurricane Dean to a Category
4 storm Friday night as it roared across the Caribbean. The NHC predicted it
would become a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of 160 mph by the time it
hits the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm tore away roofs, flooded streets and caused at least three deaths
on small islands as the powerful storm headed on a collision course with
Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Dean has sustained winds of 135 mph after crossing over the warm waters of
the Caribbean and forecasters warned it could grow into a monster tempest
with 150 mph winds before steering next week into the Gulf of Mexico, with
its 4,000 oil and gas platforms.

On St. Lucia, police said a 62-year-old man was swept away and drowned when
he tried to retrieve a cow from a rain-swollen river.

In Dominica, officials said a woman and her 7-year-old son were killed in
their sleep when a rain-soaked hillside gave way and crushed their home.

The NHC said Hurricane Dean has caused a hurricane watch to be issued for
Haiti from the Haiti/Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince.

The government of the Dominican Republic has changed the tropical storm
watch to a tropical storm warning along the country's south coast from Cabo
Engano to the country's border with Haiti. A hurricane watch has been issued
from Cabo Beata to the Haiti/Dominican Republic border.

A caller to Radio Martinique said she could "feel its strength" as the
hurricane tore past the island Thursday.

St. Lucia's acting prime minister shut down its two commercial Thursday
night as the hurricane closed in, anticipating a direct hit. Volunteers went
door to door to make sure people knew the storm was coming.

People are hunkered down in shelters on Martinique, where the government has
canceled a planned commemoration of a plane crash one year ago that killed
152 islanders.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the U.S. and Spanish Virgin
Islands and Puerto Rico Friday night.

At 8 p.m. EST, the center of the hurricane was located about 190 miles
south-southwest of St. Croix. It was moving west at 19 mph and was expected
to pick up speed through Saturday afternoon.

Dean's center was expected to pass south of the U.S. Virgin Islands Saturday
night and then south of Puerto Rico overnight.

"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Hey Lori I hope you are watching the news

Gulf Coast Prepares As Dean Hits Caribbean
Category 4 Storm Blamed In At Least 3 Deaths In Caribbean

POSTED: 11:01 am EDT August 14, 2007
UPDATED: 10:59 pm EDT August 17, 2007

While Hurricane Dean continues its path across the Caribbean, preparations
are underway in the United States.

Texas Gov. Rick Petty described the Category 4 storm as an "imminent
threat" and said the state was preparing for its arrival. Task forces that
will respond to the storm were put on alert and supply trucks and other
resources were put in position early along potential evacuation routes.

"It's so far out, but it's not too early to start preparing," said Perry
spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger. "We have more notice than with Erin. We're
glad for that especially since (Dean) is projected to bring some
strength."

In Louisiana, Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency Friday in
order to allow local governments to move forward with their own emergency
plans if they choose to do so. It also allows Louisiana to bill the
federal government for certain things should Dean shift course and hit
Louisiana.

However, forecasts revealed little chance that Dean would move northward
toward Louisiana. Instead, it's expected to tear across the Gulf of Mexico
and threaten Mexico or Texas on Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded Hurricane Dean to a
Category 4 storm Friday night as it roared across the Caribbean. The NHC
predicted it would become a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of 160 mph
by the time it hits the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm tore away roofs, flooded streets and caused at least three
deaths on small islands as the powerful storm headed on a collision course
with Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Dean has sustained winds of 135 mph after crossing over the warm waters of
the Caribbean and forecasters warned it could grow into a monster tempest
with 150 mph winds before steering next week into the Gulf of Mexico, with
its 4,000 oil and gas platforms.

On St. Lucia, police said a 62-year-old man was swept away and drowned
when he tried to retrieve a cow from a rain-swollen river.

In Dominica, officials said a woman and her 7-year-old son were killed in
their sleep when a rain-soaked hillside gave way and crushed their home.

The NHC said Hurricane Dean has caused a hurricane watch to be issued for
Haiti from the Haiti/Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince.

The government of the Dominican Republic has changed the tropical storm
watch to a tropical storm warning along the country's south coast from
Cabo Engano to the country's border with Haiti. A hurricane watch has been
issued from Cabo Beata to the Haiti/Dominican Republic border.

A caller to Radio Martinique said she could "feel its strength" as the
hurricane tore past the island Thursday.

St. Lucia's acting prime minister shut down its two commercial Thursday
night as the hurricane closed in, anticipating a direct hit. Volunteers
went door to door to make sure people knew the storm was coming.

People are hunkered down in shelters on Martinique, where the government
has canceled a planned commemoration of a plane crash one year ago that
killed 152 islanders.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the U.S. and Spanish
Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friday night.

At 8 p.m. EST, the center of the hurricane was located about 190 miles
south-southwest of St. Croix. It was moving west at 19 mph and was
expected to pick up speed through Saturday afternoon.

Dean's center was expected to pass south of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Saturday night and then south of Puerto Rico overnight.


Purrs for the Gulf area.

On 17 Aug, 20:11, "Matthew" wrote:
Hey Lori I hope you are watching the news


Once again I am glad to live in the UK-especially in London- my idea
of bad weather is when the drain in the road starts to overflow and I
have to dodge drivers who think it's funny to soak pedestrians

Lesley

Slave of the Fabulous Furballs

Thanks Matthew. Candidly, I'd rather see it hit Texas then Louisiana - I
honestly think we're more prepared for it than Katrina-ravaged LA is.

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/


"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Hey Lori I hope you are watching the news

Gulf Coast Prepares As Dean Hits Caribbean
Category 4 Storm Blamed In At Least 3 Deaths In Caribbean

POSTED: 11:01 am EDT August 14, 2007
UPDATED: 10:59 pm EDT August 17, 2007

While Hurricane Dean continues its path across the Caribbean, preparations
are underway in the United States.

Texas Gov. Rick Petty described the Category 4 storm as an "imminent
threat" and said the state was preparing for its arrival. Task forces that
will respond to the storm were put on alert and supply trucks and other
resources were put in position early along potential evacuation routes.

"It's so far out, but it's not too early to start preparing," said Perry
spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger. "We have more notice than with Erin. We're
glad for that especially since (Dean) is projected to bring some
strength."

In Louisiana, Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency Friday in
order to allow local governments to move forward with their own emergency
plans if they choose to do so. It also allows Louisiana to bill the
federal government for certain things should Dean shift course and hit
Louisiana.

However, forecasts revealed little chance that Dean would move northward
toward Louisiana. Instead, it's expected to tear across the Gulf of Mexico
and threaten Mexico or Texas on Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded Hurricane Dean to a
Category 4 storm Friday night as it roared across the Caribbean. The NHC
predicted it would become a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of 160 mph
by the time it hits the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm tore away roofs, flooded streets and caused at least three
deaths on small islands as the powerful storm headed on a collision course
with Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Dean has sustained winds of 135 mph after crossing over the warm waters of
the Caribbean and forecasters warned it could grow into a monster tempest
with 150 mph winds before steering next week into the Gulf of Mexico, with
its 4,000 oil and gas platforms.

On St. Lucia, police said a 62-year-old man was swept away and drowned
when he tried to retrieve a cow from a rain-swollen river.

In Dominica, officials said a woman and her 7-year-old son were killed in
their sleep when a rain-soaked hillside gave way and crushed their home.

The NHC said Hurricane Dean has caused a hurricane watch to be issued for
Haiti from the Haiti/Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince.

The government of the Dominican Republic has changed the tropical storm
watch to a tropical storm warning along the country's south coast from
Cabo Engano to the country's border with Haiti. A hurricane watch has been
issued from Cabo Beata to the Haiti/Dominican Republic border.

A caller to Radio Martinique said she could "feel its strength" as the
hurricane tore past the island Thursday.

St. Lucia's acting prime minister shut down its two commercial Thursday
night as the hurricane closed in, anticipating a direct hit. Volunteers
went door to door to make sure people knew the storm was coming.

People are hunkered down in shelters on Martinique, where the government
has canceled a planned commemoration of a plane crash one year ago that
killed 152 islanders.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the U.S. and Spanish
Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friday night.

At 8 p.m. EST, the center of the hurricane was located about 190 miles
south-southwest of St. Croix. It was moving west at 19 mph and was
expected to pick up speed through Saturday afternoon.

Dean's center was expected to pass south of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Saturday night and then south of Puerto Rico overnight.

I just watched the up date they think It will get up to a category 5 it
looks like it is going to take out Mexico maybe southern Texas it is a
category 4 right now

This is the time when I would go into disaster mode and make sure everything
was ready


"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
Thanks Matthew. Candidly, I'd rather see it hit Texas then Louisiana - I
honestly think we're more prepared for it than Katrina-ravaged LA is.

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/


"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Hey Lori I hope you are watching the news

Gulf Coast Prepares As Dean Hits Caribbean
Category 4 Storm Blamed In At Least 3 Deaths In Caribbean

POSTED: 11:01 am EDT August 14, 2007
UPDATED: 10:59 pm EDT August 17, 2007

While Hurricane Dean continues its path across the Caribbean,
preparations are underway in the United States.

Texas Gov. Rick Petty described the Category 4 storm as an "imminent
threat" and said the state was preparing for its arrival. Task forces
that will respond to the storm were put on alert and supply trucks and
other resources were put in position early along potential evacuation
routes.

"It's so far out, but it's not too early to start preparing," said Perry
spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger. "We have more notice than with Erin.
We're glad for that especially since (Dean) is projected to bring some
strength."

In Louisiana, Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency Friday
in order to allow local governments to move forward with their own
emergency plans if they choose to do so. It also allows Louisiana to bill
the federal government for certain things should Dean shift course and
hit Louisiana.

However, forecasts revealed little chance that Dean would move northward
toward Louisiana. Instead, it's expected to tear across the Gulf of
Mexico and threaten Mexico or Texas on Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded Hurricane Dean to a
Category 4 storm Friday night as it roared across the Caribbean. The NHC
predicted it would become a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of 160 mph
by the time it hits the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm tore away roofs, flooded streets and caused at least three
deaths on small islands as the powerful storm headed on a collision
course with Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Dean has sustained winds of 135 mph after crossing over the warm waters
of the Caribbean and forecasters warned it could grow into a monster
tempest with 150 mph winds before steering next week into the Gulf of
Mexico, with its 4,000 oil and gas platforms.

On St. Lucia, police said a 62-year-old man was swept away and drowned
when he tried to retrieve a cow from a rain-swollen river.

In Dominica, officials said a woman and her 7-year-old son were killed in
their sleep when a rain-soaked hillside gave way and crushed their home.

The NHC said Hurricane Dean has caused a hurricane watch to be issued for
Haiti from the Haiti/Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince.

The government of the Dominican Republic has changed the tropical storm
watch to a tropical storm warning along the country's south coast from
Cabo Engano to the country's border with Haiti. A hurricane watch has
been issued from Cabo Beata to the Haiti/Dominican Republic border.

A caller to Radio Martinique said she could "feel its strength" as the
hurricane tore past the island Thursday.

St. Lucia's acting prime minister shut down its two commercial Thursday
night as the hurricane closed in, anticipating a direct hit. Volunteers
went door to door to make sure people knew the storm was coming.

People are hunkered down in shelters on Martinique, where the government
has canceled a planned commemoration of a plane crash one year ago that
killed 152 islanders.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the U.S. and Spanish
Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friday night.

At 8 p.m. EST, the center of the hurricane was located about 190 miles
south-southwest of St. Croix. It was moving west at 19 mph and was
expected to pick up speed through Saturday afternoon.

Dean's center was expected to pass south of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Saturday night and then south of Puerto Rico overnight.

"Matthew" wrote in message
...
I just watched the up date they think It will get up to a category 5 it
looks like it is going to take out Mexico maybe southern Texas it is a
category 4 right now

This is the time when I would go into disaster mode and make sure
everything was ready

Oh, we have to *stay* ready here when a hard rain, or even a prolonged
drizzle, can cause disastrous flooding. On the bright side, Houston has the
best hurricane preparedness plan on any city in the country - in fact it was
*our* hurricane plan that we used to aid the victims of Katrina, by the time
the buses got here there was a cot for every single person, blankets, extra
clothes, food and water, and medical care all set to go.

Hugs,

CatNipped



"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
Thanks Matthew. Candidly, I'd rather see it hit Texas then Louisiana - I
honestly think we're more prepared for it than Katrina-ravaged LA is.

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/


"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Hey Lori I hope you are watching the news

Gulf Coast Prepares As Dean Hits Caribbean
Category 4 Storm Blamed In At Least 3 Deaths In Caribbean

POSTED: 11:01 am EDT August 14, 2007
UPDATED: 10:59 pm EDT August 17, 2007

While Hurricane Dean continues its path across the Caribbean,
preparations are underway in the United States.

Texas Gov. Rick Petty described the Category 4 storm as an "imminent
threat" and said the state was preparing for its arrival. Task forces
that will respond to the storm were put on alert and supply trucks and
other resources were put in position early along potential evacuation
routes.

"It's so far out, but it's not too early to start preparing," said Perry
spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger. "We have more notice than with Erin.
We're glad for that especially since (Dean) is projected to bring some
strength."

In Louisiana, Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency Friday
in order to allow local governments to move forward with their own
emergency plans if they choose to do so. It also allows Louisiana to
bill the federal government for certain things should Dean shift course
and hit Louisiana.

However, forecasts revealed little chance that Dean would move northward
toward Louisiana. Instead, it's expected to tear across the Gulf of
Mexico and threaten Mexico or Texas on Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded Hurricane Dean to a
Category 4 storm Friday night as it roared across the Caribbean. The NHC
predicted it would become a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of 160 mph
by the time it hits the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm tore away roofs, flooded streets and caused at least three
deaths on small islands as the powerful storm headed on a collision
course with Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Dean has sustained winds of 135 mph after crossing over the warm waters
of the Caribbean and forecasters warned it could grow into a monster
tempest with 150 mph winds before steering next week into the Gulf of
Mexico, with its 4,000 oil and gas platforms.

On St. Lucia, police said a 62-year-old man was swept away and drowned
when he tried to retrieve a cow from a rain-swollen river.

In Dominica, officials said a woman and her 7-year-old son were killed
in their sleep when a rain-soaked hillside gave way and crushed their
home.

The NHC said Hurricane Dean has caused a hurricane watch to be issued
for Haiti from the Haiti/Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince.

The government of the Dominican Republic has changed the tropical storm
watch to a tropical storm warning along the country's south coast from
Cabo Engano to the country's border with Haiti. A hurricane watch has
been issued from Cabo Beata to the Haiti/Dominican Republic border.

A caller to Radio Martinique said she could "feel its strength" as the
hurricane tore past the island Thursday.

St. Lucia's acting prime minister shut down its two commercial Thursday
night as the hurricane closed in, anticipating a direct hit. Volunteers
went door to door to make sure people knew the storm was coming.

People are hunkered down in shelters on Martinique, where the government
has canceled a planned commemoration of a plane crash one year ago that
killed 152 islanders.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the U.S. and Spanish
Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friday night.

At 8 p.m. EST, the center of the hurricane was located about 190 miles
south-southwest of St. Croix. It was moving west at 19 mph and was
expected to pick up speed through Saturday afternoon.

Dean's center was expected to pass south of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Saturday night and then south of Puerto Rico overnight.

Still going to hold everyone in my prayers

"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
"Matthew" wrote in message
...
I just watched the up date they think It will get up to a category 5 it
looks like it is going to take out Mexico maybe southern Texas it is a
category 4 right now

This is the time when I would go into disaster mode and make sure
everything was ready

Oh, we have to *stay* ready here when a hard rain, or even a prolonged
drizzle, can cause disastrous flooding. On the bright side, Houston has
the best hurricane preparedness plan on any city in the country - in fact
it was *our* hurricane plan that we used to aid the victims of Katrina, by
the time the buses got here there was a cot for every single person,
blankets, extra clothes, food and water, and medical care all set to go.

Hugs,

CatNipped



"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
Thanks Matthew. Candidly, I'd rather see it hit Texas then Louisiana -
I honestly think we're more prepared for it than Katrina-ravaged LA is.

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/


"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Hey Lori I hope you are watching the news

Gulf Coast Prepares As Dean Hits Caribbean
Category 4 Storm Blamed In At Least 3 Deaths In Caribbean

POSTED: 11:01 am EDT August 14, 2007
UPDATED: 10:59 pm EDT August 17, 2007

While Hurricane Dean continues its path across the Caribbean,
preparations are underway in the United States.

Texas Gov. Rick Petty described the Category 4 storm as an "imminent
threat" and said the state was preparing for its arrival. Task forces
that will respond to the storm were put on alert and supply trucks and
other resources were put in position early along potential evacuation
routes.

"It's so far out, but it's not too early to start preparing," said
Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger. "We have more notice than with
Erin. We're glad for that especially since (Dean) is projected to bring
some strength."

In Louisiana, Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency Friday
in order to allow local governments to move forward with their own
emergency plans if they choose to do so. It also allows Louisiana to
bill the federal government for certain things should Dean shift course
and hit Louisiana.

However, forecasts revealed little chance that Dean would move
northward toward Louisiana. Instead, it's expected to tear across the
Gulf of Mexico and threaten Mexico or Texas on Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded Hurricane Dean to a
Category 4 storm Friday night as it roared across the Caribbean. The
NHC predicted it would become a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of
160 mph by the time it hits the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm tore away roofs, flooded streets and caused at least three
deaths on small islands as the powerful storm headed on a collision
course with Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Dean has sustained winds of 135 mph after crossing over the warm waters
of the Caribbean and forecasters warned it could grow into a monster
tempest with 150 mph winds before steering next week into the Gulf of
Mexico, with its 4,000 oil and gas platforms.

On St. Lucia, police said a 62-year-old man was swept away and drowned
when he tried to retrieve a cow from a rain-swollen river.

In Dominica, officials said a woman and her 7-year-old son were killed
in their sleep when a rain-soaked hillside gave way and crushed their
home.

The NHC said Hurricane Dean has caused a hurricane watch to be issued
for Haiti from the Haiti/Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince.

The government of the Dominican Republic has changed the tropical storm
watch to a tropical storm warning along the country's south coast from
Cabo Engano to the country's border with Haiti. A hurricane watch has
been issued from Cabo Beata to the Haiti/Dominican Republic border.

A caller to Radio Martinique said she could "feel its strength" as the
hurricane tore past the island Thursday.

St. Lucia's acting prime minister shut down its two commercial Thursday
night as the hurricane closed in, anticipating a direct hit. Volunteers
went door to door to make sure people knew the storm was coming.

People are hunkered down in shelters on Martinique, where the
government has canceled a planned commemoration of a plane crash one
year ago that killed 152 islanders.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the U.S. and Spanish
Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friday night.

At 8 p.m. EST, the center of the hurricane was located about 190 miles
south-southwest of St. Croix. It was moving west at 19 mph and was
expected to pick up speed through Saturday afternoon.

Dean's center was expected to pass south of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Saturday night and then south of Puerto Rico overnight.

"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Still going to hold everyone in my prayers

I aprpeciate that much, Matthew - thank you!

Hugs,

CatNipped


"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
"Matthew" wrote in message
...
I just watched the up date they think It will get up to a category 5 it
looks like it is going to take out Mexico maybe southern Texas it is a
category 4 right now

This is the time when I would go into disaster mode and make sure
everything was ready

Oh, we have to *stay* ready here when a hard rain, or even a prolonged
drizzle, can cause disastrous flooding. On the bright side, Houston has
the best hurricane preparedness plan on any city in the country - in fact
it was *our* hurricane plan that we used to aid the victims of Katrina,
by the time the buses got here there was a cot for every single person,
blankets, extra clothes, food and water, and medical care all set to go.

Hugs,

CatNipped



"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
Thanks Matthew. Candidly, I'd rather see it hit Texas then Louisiana -
I honestly think we're more prepared for it than Katrina-ravaged LA is.

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/


"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Hey Lori I hope you are watching the news

Gulf Coast Prepares As Dean Hits Caribbean
Category 4 Storm Blamed In At Least 3 Deaths In Caribbean

POSTED: 11:01 am EDT August 14, 2007
UPDATED: 10:59 pm EDT August 17, 2007

While Hurricane Dean continues its path across the Caribbean,
preparations are underway in the United States.

Texas Gov. Rick Petty described the Category 4 storm as an "imminent
threat" and said the state was preparing for its arrival. Task forces
that will respond to the storm were put on alert and supply trucks and
other resources were put in position early along potential evacuation
routes.

"It's so far out, but it's not too early to start preparing," said
Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger. "We have more notice than with
Erin. We're glad for that especially since (Dean) is projected to
bring some strength."

In Louisiana, Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency
Friday in order to allow local governments to move forward with their
own emergency plans if they choose to do so. It also allows Louisiana
to bill the federal government for certain things should Dean shift
course and hit Louisiana.

However, forecasts revealed little chance that Dean would move
northward toward Louisiana. Instead, it's expected to tear across the
Gulf of Mexico and threaten Mexico or Texas on Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded Hurricane Dean to a
Category 4 storm Friday night as it roared across the Caribbean. The
NHC predicted it would become a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of
160 mph by the time it hits the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm tore away roofs, flooded streets and caused at least three
deaths on small islands as the powerful storm headed on a collision
course with Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Dean has sustained winds of 135 mph after crossing over the warm
waters of the Caribbean and forecasters warned it could grow into a
monster tempest with 150 mph winds before steering next week into the
Gulf of Mexico, with its 4,000 oil and gas platforms.

On St. Lucia, police said a 62-year-old man was swept away and drowned
when he tried to retrieve a cow from a rain-swollen river.

In Dominica, officials said a woman and her 7-year-old son were killed
in their sleep when a rain-soaked hillside gave way and crushed their
home.

The NHC said Hurricane Dean has caused a hurricane watch to be issued
for Haiti from the Haiti/Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince.

The government of the Dominican Republic has changed the tropical
storm watch to a tropical storm warning along the country's south
coast from Cabo Engano to the country's border with Haiti. A hurricane
watch has been issued from Cabo Beata to the Haiti/Dominican Republic
border.

A caller to Radio Martinique said she could "feel its strength" as the
hurricane tore past the island Thursday.

St. Lucia's acting prime minister shut down its two commercial
Thursday night as the hurricane closed in, anticipating a direct hit.
Volunteers went door to door to make sure people knew the storm was
coming.

People are hunkered down in shelters on Martinique, where the
government has canceled a planned commemoration of a plane crash one
year ago that killed 152 islanders.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the U.S. and Spanish
Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friday night.

At 8 p.m. EST, the center of the hurricane was located about 190 miles
south-southwest of St. Croix. It was moving west at 19 mph and was
expected to pick up speed through Saturday afternoon.

Dean's center was expected to pass south of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Saturday night and then south of Puerto Rico overnight.

On Aug 18, 2:03 pm, "CatNipped" wrote:
Thanks Matthew. Candidly, I'd rather see it hit Texas then Louisiana - I
honestly think we're more prepared for it than Katrina-ravaged LA is.
Hugs,

CatNipped

...
Wouldn't it be nice if it just fizzled out and went away? For a
while, the predictions had it aimed right at Texas. This morning, Jim
& I took a walk on the beach and saw a NBC newscaster setting up a
camera. I think the Weather Channel people have moved on. We won't
know until it gets into the Gulf of Mexico, but we are relieved to see
that we probably will be able to cancel our reservation for a room in
San Antonio. But, as relieved as we are that it seems less and less
likely to come here, we just can't wish that sort of thing on anyone
else, either. The people in its path, wherever it goes, are in our
prayers.
Annie