The National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Gustav has developed into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane as it heads towards western Cuba.  Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands and Cuba where Gustav is expected to make landfall later today.

The Gulf Coast of the United States is taking this storm very seriously, with a good possibility of a hard strike by Gustav on Monday or Tuesday.  Some experts are predicting a further strengthening to a major Category 4 storm.  Lousiana and New Orleans are preparing to evacuate starting today according to the Dallas Morning News.

Hurricane Gustav has already taken the lives of at least 77 people in the Caribbean, with the possibility of more to come in the approaching days.

Media analysts are jumping to determine what effect Gustav will have on the oil industry as it threatens oil production rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun and the Riviera Maya appear to be well out of the danger zone from Hurricane Gustav.  There is the possibility of rain on the weekend, but travelers should not fear, it seems that Gustav’s wrath will not make much of an impact and the popular tourist destination will remain business as usual.

posted by CancunCanuck

in Cancun