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Weakening Fay Soaks Florida

Feared hurricane fails to develop, but state warns of flood, tornado danger

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 8:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – Tropical Storm Fay made landfall in southwestern Florida early this morning but did not develop into a hurricane as feared, the Miami Herald reports. Heavy rain and 60mph winds have hit the state, but Fay is expected weaken as it moves inland. Officials warn that the storm could spawn flooding and tornadoes, and storm tides 5 feet above average were predicted.

Many Floridians who have ridden out major hurricanes seemed little fazed by Fay, but authorities warned against complacency. "I've seen as many people die when I have a blob-shaped asymmetrical storm that they dismiss as not being very dangerous," Florida's emergency management chief told the AP.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

A satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made at 12:15 a.m. EDT Tuesday Aug. 19, 2008, shows Tropical Storm Fay as it approaches the west coast of Florida. (AP Photo/NOAA)

Cliff Fischer holds on to his boogie board during tropical storm Fay's winds in Big Pine Key, Fla., Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

This NOAA satellite image taken Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:15 AM EDT shows Tropical Storm Fay near Florida. (AP Photo)

An unidentified couple walk in the rain as Tropical Storm Fay approaches the Florida Keys in Big Pine Key, Fla., Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

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Wind don't mean nothing to us. It's the water we worry about.' - Sammy Hamilton Jr., mayor of Everglades City

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Weakening Fay Soaks Florida