High waves caused by Tropical Strom Gustav were along the Norman Manley Highway in Kingston. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

There was noticeably less traffic on the roads of Montego Bay, St James, yesterday and many business places had closed their shutters.

These were the only early signs that a hurricane was headed towards the island.

St James Street was filled with pedestrians who did not seem to be overly concerned about the impending hit by Tropical Storm Gustav.

Supermarket lines were short and, when questioned, many people said they were not particularly buying for the hurricane, but were just doing regular shopping.

Many seemed unaware that Gustav had taken a north-westerly direction, which would see Jamaica receiving a direct hit.

Over in Falmouth, there were intermittent light showers and the parish council relocated the 62 residents at the Falmouth Infirmary to the Hague Primary School. At the shelter, they would be cared for by 26 staff members.

Businesses closed from as early as midday and several owners were seen securing their establishments. Householders appeared unaware of the fact that a hurricane watch was in effect for the island.

A man who was seen selling wares on the street in downtown Montego Bay told The Gleaner that he had not taken much precaution as he heard on the news that he should have been affected by rain from Wednesday night. Nothing had happened.

"We might get a little breeze, but most of the tall buildings we have in MoBay will keep the breeze from us," commented Kenroy 'Logga' Brown. "We are still functioning and hope they don't turn off the electricity. But if they do, we have a little kerosene oil."