The north-eastern and western Caribbean have been placed on hurricane alert.

Dean strengthened overnight into a Category 2 hurricane, with winds near 100 miles per hour.

The storm brought high winds and heavy rain to St. Lucia and Martinique, where there are reports that trees and power lines were felled.

"I heard galvanise being torn like pieces of paper from the rooftops of my neighbours further down the hill," BBC Caribbean's Pete Ninvalle said at daybreak.

In neighbouring Martinique, they've been battening down as well as strong winds have been felt since early morning.

Electricity was briefly cut in some parts of Martinique.

Most official activities in the French territory have been cancelled, including commemoration events planned for the 152 Martinique residents who died in a plane crash a year ago.

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Dominica is also feeling then effects of the tailend of Dean. Reporter Kamala John-Baptiste said trees had been downed and power was off.

She said: "The wind is severe and I can tell you that you can feel the roof here at Kairi FM radio is shaking."

Hurricane warnings were in effect for St Lucia, Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe.

Most of the north-eastern Caribbean and western was being advised to follow closely the progress of Dean, which forecasters say could strengthen into a category four hurricane.

Forecasters expect this year's Atlantic hurricane season to be busy, with as many as 16 tropical storms, nine of them strengthening into hurricanes.