Fla's east coast under tropical storm warning as Ophelia develops

<p>A tropical depression off Florida's Atlantic coast strengthened into Tropical Storm Ophelia early Wednesday, and threatened to bring heavy rains to areas hard hit last year by two hurricanes.</p><p>A tropical storm warning was posted for about 120 miles of the peninsula's east coast from north of Jupiter to Titusville, and a tropical storm watch was issued for the coastline from Titusville north to Flagler Beach.</p><p>Five to 10 inches of rain were expected over the next few days in areas hit last year by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, with some isolated areas possibly getting 15 inches. Much of the region has recovered but some homes remain covered in blue tarps as owners await new roofs.</p><p>Emergency management officials in St. Lucie and Indian River counties said Tuesday they were monitoring the system for developments and were not taking any protective action.</p><p>At 2 a.m., Ophelia was centered 115 miles east-southeast of Cape Canaveral, and about 100 miles north of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. It had top sustained winds near 40 mph and was moving north-northwest near 5 mph.</p><p>Meanwhile, out in the open ocean, Tropical Storm Nate was expected to strengthen south of Bermuda, while Tropical Storm Maria continued on its way to the colder waters of the north Atlantic.</p><p>At 11 p.m., Nate, the 14th named storm of the season, was centered about 260 miles south-southwest of Bermuda with top sustained winds near 65 mph. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said it could potentially threaten Bermuda, but not the United States, as a hurricane by the end of the week.</p><p>Maria weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm with 70-mph winds late Tuesday. By 11 p.m. Tuesday, it was centered about 635 miles east-northeast of Bermuda.</p><p>Maria had been the fifth hurricane in a busy Atlantic hurricane season.</p><p>The season began June 1 and ends Nov. 30. Peak storm activity typically occurs from the end of August through mid-September.</p><p>___</p><p>On the Net:</p><p>HASH(0x1cdbcf8)</p>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/9/139597