 About a day before Dean developed , the National Hurricane Center advised interests in the northern and central Lesser Antilles to monitor the progress of the storm . Routine statements issued by the National Hurricane Center warned for the possibility of strong winds and heavy rains . However , because Dean formed after it passed the islands , no tropical cyclone warnings or watches were issued . The precursor disturbance dropped heavy rainfall on Saint Martin of around 5 inches ( 129 mm ) . 
