Based on the latest information from a Hurricane Hunter Aircraft early this morning, Gustav is beginning to strengthen as it nears Jamaica in the Caribbean. Maximum sustained winds are now 70 mph.

As of 8 a.m. EDT, the center of Gustav was located about 80 miles east Kingston, Jamaica, and was moving slowly southwest. Given a recent movement and redevelopment in a more southerly direction, it now appears the center of Gustav will past east, and perhaps south of Jamaica today, before turning back to the west.

Regardless if the center misses a direct hit on Jamaica, heavy rain and the threat for flash flooding will increase over Jamaica today, along with gusty winds and increased surf.

Gustav is forecast to make a turn in a more westerly direction, and eventually a west-northwest to northwest direction over the next few days. It is also forecast to continue to strengthen, and will likely be at hurricane strength, if not today, as it approaches the Cayman Islands later Friday.