Update on Tropical Storm Noel - Caribbean by Steph Ball
Tropical Storm Noel crossed the Caribbean island of Hispaniola on Monday (shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti), with as much as 700mm (30inches) of rain perhaps falling in places.
As the storm crossed Haiti, massive flooding cut off several communities and forced evacuations. Authorities were also forced to close the international airport in the capital Santo Domingo, while it was reported that as many as 20 people may have been killed with many still missing. As a result of the heavy rains the National Emergencies Committee (COE) also issued a red alert for Santo Domingo including six other provinces.
As of early Tuesday morning, Tropical Storm Noel was travelling westwards parallel to the north coast of Cuba. While it was weakened by the rugged terrain of Haiti it has since strengthened again over the warm waters of the Caribbean. Winds are reported to be around 60mph (95km/h) with higher gusts.
The National Hurricane Center’s latest forecast has Noel tracking northwards across the western Bahamas on Wednesday. There is a possibility it could strengthen to hurricane force, which has prompted the issuing of a hurricane watch for the northwestern Bahamas.
The storm has also shifted enough to the west over the last 24hrs to pose a threat to southeast Florida. By the time it reaches here it is forecast to have weakened again to a tropical storm, though it may yet bring a wet and windy end to Halloween.
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