Hurricane Omar hits Caribbean
Wednesday, 15 Oct 2008 11:33
Hurricane Omar has hit the south-eastern Caribbean
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Hurricane Omar has struck the south-eastern Caribbean and is reported to be heading to the US Virgin Islands.
Authorities have issued a hurricane warning for the islands as well as on Puerto Rico's Vieques and Culebra islands, St Martin, St Kitts and Nevis.
Officials in Puerto Rico have warned residents to prepare themselves for heavy rain and medical authorities have appealed for more blood donations to be made available.
The US National Hurricane centre has claimed Omar will continue to gain strength, as it currently Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph.
The centre claims that hurricane conditions are expected, where the warnings have been issued, within in the next 24 hours.
"Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," the guidance claims.
Omar is expected to produce four to eight inches of rainfall over the Netherlands Antilles, with a maximum of 12 inches possible.
The hurricane is expected to travel through the Caribbean before heading towards central North America.