September 8, 2008

Hurricane Ike proves lethal in Haiti; Floridians evacuating

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Ike is proving to be a deadly hurricane, killing at least 58 people in Haiti. The storm now is barreling through Cuba and forcing the evacuation of skittish Floridians.

Ike was a Category 4 hurricane when it slammed Turks and Caicos over the weekend, but has weakened to a Category 2 storm. Still, it could rev up to a Category 3 by the time it reaches the Gulf of Mexico later this week, according USA Today.

As of 11 this morning, Ike was 45 miles (70 kilometers) west-southwest of Camaguey, Cuba and 290 miles (465 kilometers) east-southeast of Havana, the National Hurricane Center reported. Winds were blowing as fast as 100 miles (160 kilometers) per hour.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Keys, as well as Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, according to the center.

Forecasters are warning of flash floods and mudslides in Cuba, as well as life-threatening swells and rip currents in the waters of the Southeast U.S. Tornadoes also are possible in Florida.

For more on hurricanes, see our in-depth report.

(Ike's path by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

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