TS Cristobal Forms Northeast of Cuba

HAVANA TIMES — Tropical Storm Cristobal formed early Sunday near the Dominican Republic, and is currently moving in a northwestwardly direction towards the southeastern Bahamas. The storm is not expected to have any effect on Cuba.

Cristobal packs 45 mph (70 kph) maximum sustained winds and the center of the storm is moving on its course at a speed of 9 mph (15 kph).

While still a tropical depression on Saturday, flooding damaged more than 800 homes and cut off 23 towns in the DR, reported AFP. Over 4,000 people took refuge in shelters.

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, a tropical storm warning is in effect for the southeastern Bahamas including Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, the Inaguas, Mayaguana and the Ragged Islands. Likewise for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Central Bahamas, including Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island Rum Cay and San Salvador.