Hurricane Sandy ravaged sections of the island yesterday, leaving behind destroyed homes and roads and at least one reported death.

The Category 1 hurricane reached Jamaica shortly before 2 p.m. and slowly made its way mainly across the eastern section of the country. By late evening, most parishes had stopped experiencing wind and rains associated with the system.

Authorities confirmed that Cleveland Scott, 74, of Bedward Gardens, Kingston 7, was killed in the community. Police said about 2:50 p.m., Scott was doing chores in his yard when a boulder reportedly dislodged from the nearby hill and hit him; he reportedly fell on to a piece of steel that was in the yard and sustained serious injuries.

The police were summoned and he was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

In the Corporate Area, a STAR team noticed several utility poles that were flattened in some areas such as Washington Boulevard, St Andrew, and the Mandela High-way. This was testament to the gale force winds which affected parts of the island.

Similarly, several trees were noticeably uprooted and billboards flung to the ground along the Mandela Highway.

Portland Cottage and Lionel Town experienced heavy winds and rain from the hurricane and it was reported that the Portland Cottage New Testament Church of God was blown down.

It is also reported that residents in various Portland communities lost zinc and other roofing materials. Some 205 persons are in disaster shelters across the parish.

Up to late yesterday, the roadway leading to the Port Antonio Hospital was impassable as several trees had fallen there.

Yesterday, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) said approximately 70 per cent of the JPS customer base was currently without electricity. The company said they experienced downed poles and lines particularly in Portland, St Mary, St Ann, St Thomas, St James, Westmoreland and Hanover.

downed power lines

A downed tree and utility pole partially blocked Molynes Road, St Andrew, after the passage of Hurricane Sandy yesterday. - Mark Beckford

JPS assured customers that once it is safe to do so, every effort will be made to restore power quickly and safely, but urged people to stay away from the downed power lines and poles and take every precaution to protect life and property.

Yesterday, the US Embassy said it will remain closed today. "All scheduled appointments for visas, passports and all other consular services are suspended. The embassy will contact applicants later with information on rescheduling. American citizens needing emergency assistance should call 702-6055," the consulate said.

The Sandy Gully transporting the flood waters associated with the storm. - Mark Beckford

This tree was blown on to Washington Boulevard. - Norman Grindley