The storm, with winds of up to 230km/h (145mph), careered along the country's south coast, its eye passing some miles away out to sea.

PM Portia Simpson Miller urged people to shelter in emergency accommodation, but many chose to stay at home. Hurricane Dean has already claimed at least six lives in the eastern Caribbean.

About 1,000 emergency shelters have been opened, but the Associated Press reported that just 47 were occupied.

Airports have been closed, a 48-hour curfew is in place and the island's power company switched off electricity. The US has said it is prepared to fly in aid if necessary.

Haiti and the Dominican Republic were spared the worst as Dean passed to the south overnight - damage was limited to flooding in coastal areas.

The US National Hurricane Center said the eye of the storm was "a few miles" south of the island.