Liners diverted as Caribbean storm threatens

Cruise ships were diverted in the Caribbean today as Tropical Storm Claudette raged off Jamaica’s south coast.

Claudette could grow to a hurricane as it advances toward Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, forecasters said.

The Jamaican government urged people in flood-prone areas to be on alert and warned fishermen to stay in port.

Sustained winds were up to 70 mph today.

Royal Caribbean International diverted three cruise ships to the Bahamas, including one moored at Ocho Rios, Jamaica, one at the Mexican island of Cozumel and one about to depart from Miami, spokesman Michael Sheehan said.