We're due to vacation in Playa del Carmen in October. Right now, as we worry about those in Jamaica and the Caymens, I'm also concerned about the Yucatan and Belize. They suffered such a blow two years ago, I'm hoping they are spared another severe hit. I will keep my fingers crossed that this storm loses intensity and say a prayer for those in its path - we're thinking of you.

We are leaving for Cancun on September 1...less than 2 weeks away. I REALLY hope this storm doesnt do too much damage!

For those who want to track the storm's path, check out the National Oceanic & Atmosphere site at -- http://www.noaawatch.gov/2007/dean.php

And as for more onsite info & commentary, look on -- http://www.hurricanecancun.com/

We have an upcoming trip to Cancun as well. I'm more concerned about the safety of those in the region than potential damage. These folks are still recovering from Wilma. You're in my thoughts....

just hoping for maybe a glancing blow and a weakening of Dean. I can't believe that just as Cancun's recoverinig from Wilma, they may have something as bad, or worse. Praying for everyone in its path...

I do not for the life of me understand why people continue to go to the tropics during the "SEASON" Learned my lesson in 1979 after going through two such events namely Hurricane's David (St Martin) & Fredrick (St Bart's) in a weeks time. I have since avoided the tropics during season since.

I actully just got back from PDC last night(Sunday)after a fantastic 8 days. I was down with a whole bunch of friends many of whom will be riding this one out. It's actually pretty interesting the planning that goes into effect and the support structure that is already in place and has been since Friday.
After what I've seen, I think I'd take my chances in Mexico over the "response" we had here in the US when Katrina hit.

Interesting jette. Looks like PDC might be right in Dean's path. Hope your friends make it through unscathed, as with all of the people of the region. I wonder if the structures are better prepared to handle a storm of this magnitude given their experience with Wilma.

The biggest problem with Wilma is that it parked for over 24 hours and did more damage since it was so prolonged. Most of the folks I know down there who've been through several hurricanes say they usually are over in 8-10 hours. Everyone was stocking up on food, water and booze....let the hurricane party begin!!

I don't want to make light of the situation and there will doubtless be lots of damage that is generally harder on the locals and those in the lower socio-economic stratae. I do think we should keep this in perspective, this is a culture that has lived with them for generations and seem to have a very palpable sprit of community and generosity that spot-lights the best in humanity.

Everyone down there is on my thoughts.

I just talked with a friend today and was glad to hear they had boarded up my place. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Looks like Dean came ashore as a Category 5 storm between Tulum and Chetumal, which at least spares Cancun, Playa and most of the Riviera Maya from a direct hit.

I too feel for the Mexican people who live through these hurricanes I agree with Stewbear I would never plan a vacation in any area that is hit by hurricanes during the season. I thought I was safe twice in the last week of Oct I had to cancel one hurricane in Cancun and the other in Puerto Vallarta which never gets a hurricane first time in 65 yrs. So now I wait until NOvember and then again in the Spring I stick close to home in the summer and early fall. Lets say a prayer for all who are in the path of Dean.

Dean has come ashore. I've been watching the weather channel - the reporter is located at Puerto Adventuras. Looks like the beach is getting hit hard but the buildings there, which are probably pretty sturdy compared to alot in the area, are all standing and look fine. I realize that the eye was further South so I'm not sure the condition of Tulum etc... Hope everyone is okay.

Already getting very good reports from PDC and all the pics already posted are very positive. Still waiting for Tulum and south but PDC was very lightly damaged. It didn't even strip the bougainvilleas.

Playa and Cancun should be unaffected. Folks on Cozumel described the impact there as just a normal storm.

Keith

Received a call from Belize City 2 hours ago. A friend was on Caye caulker and was evacuated to belize City. Heavy rain, very choppy seas, some minor looting in Belize City, but unfortunately some parts of the city are not too safe on a sunny day with 85 degree temps. Folks should be fliying out of Belize City late Wed. afternoon.

Talked with my friends in Playa today and all is good. Minimal, very minimal damage if none at all. Big sigh of relief here. Even the webcam showed a beautiful day with people out and about, eating in the restaurants and walking around town. Woohoo

Colokid, what webcam are you referring to? Glad to hear all is ok there. I was looking at the playa info cam but its been the same photo since Sun. Thanks!

If you go on the playa.info site and look on the home page in the middle you will see some purple text that says La Rana webcam. It shows the street in front of La Rana which is between 5th and 10th aves. I just looked at it.

Thanks Colokid, I was looking at the beach cam.