Tropical Storm Noel was predicted to bring rains, mudslides and flooding to Hispaniola as it churned toward Cuba and the Bahamas, U.S. forecasters said.

Noel was expected to produce between 10 and 20 inches of rain over Hispaniola, where a tropical storm warning was issued, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami reported. The rains -- with some isolated instance reaching up to 30 inches -- were expected to produce flash floods and mudslides.

Rainfalls of varying amounts also were predicted for Cuba, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, where watches and warnings have been issued.

At 5 p.m. Eastern, Noel was about 50 miles north of the eastern tip of Cuba and about 215 miles south-southeast of Great Exuma Island in the central Bahamas.

Noel was moving northwest at about 15 mph, the hurricane center said. On this track the center should move between the central Bahamas and the northern coast of Cuba by Tuesday morning.

Weakening was expected while the front passed over the island but forecasters said Noel would regain strength when it re-enters the Atlantic Ocean.  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International



Publication date: 30 October 2007   

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