(August, 29 2008) – Tropical Storm Gustav battered Jamaica on Thursday, before finally moving off of the western end on the inland country this morning.
Forecasters say Gustav could strengthen into a hurricane before slamming into Grand Cayman today.
The storm struck a deadly blow to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. At least 67 people were killed in those two countries, mainly from floods, mudslides and falling trees.
Officials and residents along the U.S. Gulf Coast are bracing for a possible Gustav strike early next week.
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin says he would order a mandatory evacuation of the city if forecasters predict a Category 3 strike, or possibly even a Category 2, within 72 hours.
Nagin and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (JIN'-dul) have been meeting with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.