Tropical Storm Fay Crosses Cuba; Heading for Florida

Miami’s National Hurricane Center is closely tracking Tropical Storm Fay, as it passes over Cuba. Storm warnings are in effect for most of the island, as well as the Cayman Islands

The NHC reported early Sunday morning that the storm’s center was about 125 miles (200 kms) south-southeast of Camaguey Cuba and about 445 miles (715 kms) southeast of Key West Florida.

“Fay is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph (20 km/hr). A turn to the northwest with a decrease in forward speed is expected within the next 24 hours, with a turn to the north-northwest expected by late Monday,” said the bulletin. “Fay is expected to move very near the south coast of Cuba today…cross central Cuba overnight tonight…and emerge into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico or the Florida Straits on Monday.”

The NHC estimated maximum sustained winds near 50 mph (85 km/hr) with higher gusts. “Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours and Fay could be approaching hurricane strength when it reaches Central Cuba,” said the NHC. The Center also indicated that, although the storm could weaken, as it passes over Cuba, it “is expected to be near hurricane strength as it approaches the Florida Keys.” Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 kms) from the storm’s center. Heavy rains and floods are expected, as it passes over Cuba.

The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for the Florida Keys and portions of South Florida, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay, and along the Florida mainland from Card Sound Bridge westward to Bonita Beach. A “tropical storm watch” is in effect for Florida’s southeast coast.

Source: National Hurricane Center – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov