“200 PM EDT WED AUG 27 2008. “TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR HAITI FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-HAITI BORDER WESTWARD TO LE MOLE ST NICHOLAS. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS.”

Jamaica is also under warning: “A HURRICANE WATCH AND A TROPICAL STORM WARNING ARE IN EFFECT FOR JAMAICA. A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR CUBA FOR THE PROVINCES OF GUANTANAMO…SANTIAGO DE CUBA…AND GRANMA.”

Hurricane watches are under effect for the Cayman Islands.

Gustav is threatening the Gulf of Mexico claims Bloomberg news: ”Hurricane Gustav weakened as it moved across Haiti today and headed for open water, where it may pick up strength and threaten oil rigs and refineries in the Gulf of Mexico. Crude oil fell after rising earlier.”

Note: Despite reports from Bloomberg, there is no confirmation yet from the National Hurricane Center that Gustav has the Gulf in its projected path.

Stay with LALATE for continuing coverage of Gustav.