But UK tourists sheltering in the resort of Cancun were spared the full force of the 160mph winds.

As the devastating category five hurricane hit land at around 9am UK time, it passed to the south of Cancun where around 5,500 British holidaymakers are staying.

"The UK tourists will get very strong winds and rain but there should not be any structural damage," said Federation of Tour Operators' spokesman Graham Lancaster.

More than 3,000 UK tourists had been flown out of Cancun ahead of Dean's arrival.

Mr Lancaster went on: "Holiday companies sent empty planes to take people home. The majority of those who are still there are staying in their hotels, although some have been moved into hurricane shelters.

"Thankfully, the eye of the hurricane is to the south of Cancun and the tourists will get the equivalent of a tropical storm rather than anything worse. Tour reps are with their clients and hopefully all will be well."

The hurricane reached land just north of Chetumal, near Mexico's border with Belize.

Central Mexico was next on the storm's path, although the outer bands were likely to bring rain, flooding and gusty winds to south Texas.