Gulf of Mexico

(Newser) - The Mayan Riviera emptied today as tens of thousands fled before Hurricane Dean, which has already killed nine and will likely be a Category 5 by the time it hits the Yucatan Peninsula tomorrow. Tourist destinations in the area are still recovering from 2005’s Hurricane Wilma, and beach resorts...

(Newser) - Hurricane Dean is now expected to strengthen into a Category 5 as it barrels toward Jamaica and Mexico. Forecasters say Dean, powered by 150-mph winds, will hit the Dominican Republic and Haiti today, after ploughing through homes and banana plantations on St. Lucia and Martinique yesterday.