Keepster

Could is perhaps understatement of the year. It is going to be a dramatic and inevitably tragic day. Hurricane Dean is bearing down on an island of 2.6m inhabitants, who unfortunately have no-where to go. Is anyone following the recon? Last set of recordings showed pretty low wind speeds (40mph). Are they heading home?

I think you will be right Iceberg. I have been comparing the satellite pictures from the last few hours and it looks to have intensified quite significantly. It has strong banding and a beautiful tight eye, quite similar structure to that of Katrina. I attach a copy of the satellite image i saved from Katrina just as NHC reported a Cat5 175mph monster. Could Dean go that far? Don't rule it out.. What sucks for Jamaica is that Dean will be approaching its shores at sunrise right after its had all night to cool the cloud tops and intensify once more. As already pointed out, only ERC can save it.

Forget the States for a bit guys, this could obliterate Jamaica. All the people on the island need to start moving to higher ground immediately and ensure they are as best protected from the winds as possible.

why?

Phil these pics are AWESOME! :o What camera/settings do you use? :o