Noel Turns Into a Killer

There were no treats on Halloween night as Tropical Storm Noel pounded Hispaniola and headed towards the Bahamas. More than 90 people have been reported dead in Hispaniola - the island shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, while thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed. Mandatory evacuations have been issued for many areas while muddy flooding continues to pelt the island nations. In addition to the high winds and heavy rains, this storm is causing problems in other areas as well. Florida residents are seeing excessive beach erosion, coastal flooding, and strong rip currents.

According to the National Hurricane Center, this storm will likely increase to hurricane strength before veering east out to sea. (Go to a video demonstration of why hurricanes sometimes go out to sea or go into the Gulf of Mexico depending on conditions.) It is not expected to hit Florida, but the effects of the storm can still be felt all through the area. High winds, rip currents, and flash floods could be issues along the Florida coast.

The storm formed Oct. 28 and made landfall on the Haitian side of Hispaniola on the morning of the 29th with sustained winds reported at 52 mph. As of 11 a.m. this morning, residents in the Bahamas were under a hurricane warning and Florida residents are under a tropical storm warning. Noel is the 14th storm in the 2007 hurricane season. Residents in all areas are encouraged to practice hurricane preparedness and check the National Hurricane Center Public Advisories.