Tropical Storm Noel Approaches Bahamas

A tropical storm is bringing heavy rain to the Bahamas as it approaches the island chain after killing at least 13 people in the Dominican Republic.

Dominican officials say Tropical Storm Noel caused severe flooding and landslides Monday, blocking roads and cutting power in many areas. Authorities also were forced to shut the airport in the capital, Santo Domingo. Several people were reported missing.

Noel also brought heavy rain to neighboring Haiti, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Noel’s center was located off the eastern tip of Cuba late Monday. It was forecast to move northwest at about 20 kilometers per hour toward the Bahamas with winds of up to 85 kilometers an hour.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Bahamas and eastern Cuba. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says it may issue a tropical storm warning for the southeastern part of Florida state early Tuesday.

By VOA News

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