After three deaths in Cuba, Tropical Storm Alex gained some strength Sunday, as it headed towards Bermuda. It also caused flooding in parts Florida.
After strengthening off Florida’s east coast, Alex became a tropical storm force.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Alex sustained maximum winds of 65 mph (105 kmh) and was located 395 miles (364 kilometers) west of Bermuda late on Sunday afternoon.
It was moving east-northeast at 28 mph (44 km/h). It was expected to pass close to or just north Bermuda on Monday. There was a tropical storm warning. Forecasters predicted that it would drop 1 to 2 inches (25-50 mm) of rain across Bermuda from Sunday night into Monday morning.
Michael Weeks, National Security Minister, stated that emergency services were closely monitoring the storm.
Authorities reported that Alex in Cuba killed three people and damaged dozens of Havana homes. He also cut off electricity to some areas.
Some parts of South Florida were affected by road flooding Saturday due to heavy rains and winds. Officials in Miami assisted stranded cars from the flooded roads.
Dan Gelber, Miami Beach Mayor, said that the storm tested drainage pumps installed by the city in response to climate change’s increasing flooding.
Gelber stated that while the water was removed quickly, some areas were difficult to access. “There were some difficulties getting through some streets. One of the main arteries was impassable. But water is slowly dissipating.”
Alex was partially rescued from Hurricane Agatha’s remnants. The hurricane struck Mexico’s southern Pacific Coast last Wednesday, killing at least 9 people and leaving five others missing.
Officially, the Atlantic hurricane season began Tuesday. Although this is an unusually early start for the storm season, it’s not uncommon in Florida.
