Ernesto sloshes toward Florida

2006-08-29 22:51

Miami - Tropical Storm Ernesto threatened to dump more than 30cm of rain on Florida and possibly cause flooding as it began drenching the southern part of the state on Tuesday.

However, it failed to show signs of strengthening into a hurricane as forecasters had feared.

Still, South Florida residents took no chances in making storm preparations, mindful of the seven hurricanes that have struck the state since 2004 and some recalling that Tuesday marked one year since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.

Forecasters at the national hurricane centre said at midday that Ernesto had 72km/h top-sustained winds.

But there was only a "remote possibility" it could become a hurricane with winds of 120km/h or more before crossing over Florida overnight.

Heavy rains of between 13cm and 38cm were perhaps the greatest threat.

Residents in flood-prone areas filled thousands of sandbags in anticipation of possible high water.

Storm 'not over'

Craig Fugate, the state's emergency management director, said: "People will let their guard down, they're going to do foolish things and they're going to get hurt.

"This storm is not over. It could be a flood event."

Ernesto was forecast to move up the middle of the state and possibly exit through the northeast coast by early on Thursday.

It was then predicted to move into the Atlantic Ocean and potentially gain hurricane status before hitting Georgia or the Carolinas.

Ernesto was briefly a hurricane on Sunday before it struck Cuba.

Officials have urged people repeatedly to have enough supplies for 72 hours, especially given the likelihood of power outages.

- AP