Trapped between Tropical Storm Noel, which sliced through central Cuba, and a powerful weather system to the north, South Florida swayed Tuesday under high winds and rough surf — and warnings that both soon will intensify.

Noel’s center was expected to remain far from South Florida, but conditions will deteriorate anyway. Emergency managers advised swimmers to stay out of the ocean, boaters to stay in port and coastal residents to stay alert for local flooding and strong wind.

Scattered power outages are possible.

”We’re closely monitoring the situation,” said Michael Williams, a spokesman for Florida Power & Light. “Our crews are poised and ready for anything that might happen.”

Noel weakened Tuesday morning after taking an unexpected jog over Cuba and then lingering there, cutting through the center of the island. It was not expected to emerge until Wednesday morning and then pass over or near Andros Island in the Bahamas with winds that strengthen but remain below hurricane strength.

Source: MH

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