Noel prompts tropical storm warnings, watches in SE Fla.

    
As portions of the Bahamas hunker down during Tropical Storm Noel this morning, forecasters say strong winds and heavy rains could touch cities along the coast of southeast Florida before the system accelerates into the Atlantic.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect from north of Ocean Reef to Deerfield Beach. Meanwhile, a tropical storm watch also continues from north of Deerfield Beach to the Juniper Inlet.

Noel's maximum sustained winds are about 60 mph, with some strengthening expected over the next
24 hours. Tropical storm-force winds extend as far as 130 miles from the the center of Noel, currently about 175 miles southeast of Miami.

Forecasters say the system is moving "erratically" toward the north at about 6 mph. That puts Noel's center through the Northwestern Bahamas today and tonight.

-Casey Cora, Times staff writer

Image courtesy of Bay News 9