The 2010 hurricane seasons 16th storm, Tropical Depression 16 is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Nicole later today as it bears down on Florida. The system, which crossed over Cuba, had sustained winds of 35 mph and tracking north-northeast near 15 mph. At 8 AM EST the center of the depression may be becoming less well defined and has been relocated over Central Cuba. Heavy rains spreading across the Florida Keys and South Florida as well. The center of the storm was located at 22.6 north latitude and 81.4 west longitude. That translates to 150 miles s of Marathon, FL and about 230 miles South, Southwest of Miami. The storm is currently moving north-northeast at nearly 9 MPH or 15 KM/Hr. The current projections are to keep moving N/NE with a gradual increase in forward speed during the next 24 to 36 hours. The center of the tropical cyclone will move over the Florida Straights later this morning and be near, or over Southeastern Florida by this evening so take all necessary precautions.

Currently, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for The Cayman Islands, the Provinces of Cuba from Matanzas east to Ciego De Avila, the Northeastern and Central Bahamas, Sebastian Inlet southward to East Cape Sable and Florida Bay, the Florida Keys, with a Tropical Storm Watch in effect for North of East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee, Florida so please take necessary precautions people.

Currently the maximum sustained winds are near 35 MPH or 55 KM/hr with gusts being higher of course. Reports from the Air Force Recon Aircraft, or Hurricane trackers indicate surface winds are very near tropical storm strength midway between Cuba and the Florida Keys, and strengthening is expected during the next 24 hours as the depression is expected to become a Storm later today, before merging with a frontal zone tonight or Thursday. Tropical Depression 16 currently has a minimum central pressure of 996 MB or 29.41 inches based on reports from both Cuba and the Recon Aircraft and is dropping according to reports I have monitored so be prepared and take precautions as necessary.

Some of the hazards expected form tropical depression 16 are rainfall, with accumulations of 5 to 10 inches expected over The Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Cuba, with isolated maximum amount of 20 inches possible of higher elevations of both Cuba and Jamaica. These rainfalls can cause life threatening flash floods and mud slides as well. The outlook for South Florida is similar, with rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches possible over Southern Florida, The Florida Keys, and the Central and Northwest Bahamas. As for wind, you can expect Tropical Storm force conditions in the warning areas today. Isolated Tornadoes are also possible over Southeastern Florida and The Florida Keys today. The depression is expected to become Tropical Storm Nicole later in the day today as well. Please heed all warnings and advisories and take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Here are some precautions to take during a depression, storm or hurricane.

Standard Precautions for any tropical storm:
Stay indoors
Stock your house with essential supplies, like batteries, food and water for at least another three days
Drink safe bottled or boiled water
Eat well cooked food or food that doesn’t need cooking, like bread and such.
Wear warm, dry clothes
Don’t go near beaches or other waterways like rivers or streams, and help those in distress
Charge your solar cells and inverters to its maximum capacity
The high winds and heavy rain that occur during a cyclone can cause substantial damage to your home and possessions but it’s the damage that can often be prevented.

These precautions can be applied to any tropical storm or depression, use you judgment. If the storm is worse, pay attention to local news or radio for special precautions.