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A tropical depression eased Sunday in Tropical Storm Michael, which, according to the National Hurricane Center, could cause heavy rains and floods in Mexico, Cuba and the US Gulf Coast.
A tropical storm warning is in effect in the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio and the Island of Youth. A warning is also in effect for the Mexican coast from Tulum to Cabo Catoche.
Forecasters said the storm could become a hurricane Tuesday night or Wednesday. The storm could bring total rainfall of 3 to 7 inches over western Cuba and 2 to 4 inches over the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize until Tuesday.
The hurricane center said the storm could produce 2 to 4 inch rainfall accumulations on the Florida Keys until Monday. Governor Rick Scott announced Sunday that he was planning to declare emergency status for Florida Panhandle and Big Bend counties.
"As we continue to monitor the northward trajectory of this storm to Florida, it is extremely important that our communities have all the resources available to keep everyone safe and prepared," he said. WTSP, affiliated with CBS in Tampa.
This image shows the trajectory of Tropical Storm Michael's project on Sunday, October 7, 2018.
NHC
As of 1 pm Sunday, the storm was 90 miles from Cozumel, Mexico, and was blowing at 40 mph winds. It was heading north at 5 mph. The hurricane center said Hurricane Hunter aircraft from the Air Force Reserve were on their way to investigate the storm.
