Fraters in New Orleans Brace For Gustav, East Coast for Hanna

KINGSTON, JAMAICA -- Gustav is now pounding Jamaica after striking a deadly blow to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. At least 67 people were killed in those two countries, mainly from floods, mudslides and falling trees.

There are no reports of casualties in Jamaica, but many people lost power and the streets of Kingston were deserted as heavy winds and rain lashed the capital. Forecasters say Gustav could become a hurricane before slamming into Grand Cayman Friday night. And officials and residents along the U.S. Gulf Coast are bracing for a possible Gustav strike early next week.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin says he would order a mandatory evacuation of the city if forecasters predict a Category 3 strike, or possibly even a Category 2, within 72 hours.

Nagin and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal have been meeting with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the Atlantic, but it's too early to predict whether it could threaten the U.S. east coast.

Be prepared for a Tropical Storm or Hurricane by reading the Hurricane Preparedness Guide provided by HRH/ Kirklin .

Adapted from AP News Wire. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.