Hurricane Dean

Hurricane Dean hit Jamaica and then slammed into Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula as a Category 5 storm; electricity was out in Chetumal where the eye of the storm hit. Most residents in the coastal heeded warnings to seek shelter or evacuate.

Many charities are in touch with their Mexico-based staff members monitoring the storm damage and preparing to mobilize relief supplies, delegates and/or financial assistance as needed.

>View photos from Hurricane Dean
>Support the American Red Cross National Disaster Fund
>Support Food for the Poor

Forecasters do not believe the storm presents a threat to the United States, although officials in Texas continue to make storm preparations just in case Dean's path takes an unexpected turn.