Tropical Storm Gustav strengthened overnight and continues to show organization this morning. The storm is nearing Jamaica in the Caribbean. Maximum sustained winds are now 70 mph and it may reach hurricane status later today.

As of 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Gustav was located about 45 miles east Kingston, Jamaica, and was moving to the west at 5 mph. Given Gustav's overnight redevelopment south of its previous center of circulation, it now appears the center of Gustav will track right over Jamaica through the afternoon and evening.

View the Gustav Tracker.

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.

After last night's southerly movement and redevelopment, Gustav is now moving west. During the course of the next few days, it will turn to a west-northwest then northwest direction.

Although its interaction with land will limit strengthening today, Gustav is forecast to intensify after passing over Jamaica. It will likely be at hurricane strength as it approaches the Cayman Islands later Friday.

Gustav is then forecast to enter the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend, and continue tracking northwest or north. It could threaten some part of the US Gulf Coast by Labor Day.

View the projected path.

There is still some uncertainty regarding Gustav's future strength; which will likely be fine tuned based on what happens today. It is forecast to be a hurricane as it tracks through the Gulf of Mexico; possibly a major one. All interests along the Gulf Coast should pay very close attention to this potentially dangerous storm.