HAVANA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Jamaica's Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller on Saturday put the Caribbean country on alert as Tropical Storm Ernesto gathered strength and steamed through the central Caribbean, according to reports from Kingston.

    All the island's shelters were open to "ensure that the children are not left alone and make it easier for rescue workers," said the prime minister at a press conference.

    Meanwhile, the Jamaican government issued warnings through radio and television to residents living in low-lying areas, asking them to get prepared for evacuation.

    Jamaica happened to stand in the hurricane's path, witnessing the storm's winds grow to 95 kph late Saturday.

    Reports monitored here said heavy showers hit Kingston in the afternoon, causing traffic jams. Local residents were queuing in long lines at supermarkets, filling grocery carts with canned goods, batteries and candles.

    According to the forecast by the U.S. National Hurricane Centerin Miami, Ernesto would be dumping 10 to 20 centimeters of rain on the island by Sunday afternoon. Similar rainfall and tides were possible for Haiti. Enditem