This NOAA satellite image taken Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 at 1:45 a,m, EDT shows a swirl of clouds in the western Caribbean Sea associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula. Ernesto is expected to strengthen into a hurricane being landfall just north of Belize late Tuesday evening. Clouds in the Southeast are associated with a front is will continue to provide a few thunderstorms in the region Tuesday. (AP PHOTO/WEATHER UNDERGROUND)
August 06, 2012 - 5:15 AM
MIAMI - A tropical storm warning has been issued for the coast of Honduras as Tropical Storm Ernesto approaches.
The warning was issued early Monday and covers the area of the coast from the Nicaraguan border to Punta Sal and includes the Bay Islands. Also, Mexico has issued a hurricane watch for the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Ernesto's maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 kph) with some strengthening forecast.
Meanwhile, farther in the Atlantic, Florence has weakened to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds near 35 (55 kph). Additional weakening is forecast and the U.S. National Hurricane Center says Florence is expected to degenerate within the next few days.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012