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Noel Turns Northeast Away From Florida

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By NEIL JOHNSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 1, 2007

Updated: 11/01/2007 12:04 pm

TAMPA - Tropical Storm Noel has made its predicted turn toward the northeast that should take the storm out into the Atlantic Ocean, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm still has winds of about 55 mph and could intensify slightly to nearly 70 mph winds as it heads out to sea.

Even with the turn, tropical storm warnings remain for parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, though forecasters said those warnings will probably be discontinued later today.

Though offshore, the storm's winds are lashing southeast Florida at about 30 mph with higher gusts. Winds of more than 40 mph extend about 100 miles from the west of the lopsided storm's center, close to the Florida coast.

As Noel's northeastern turn increases, the chances of tropical storm winds reaching Florida diminish.

If the storm acts as forecasters at the hurricane center predict, Noel should not be any concern for Florida by Friday.

For the Tampa Bay region, Noel should have little effect beyond helping to keep the windy conditions experienced this week for another day.

Forecasters expect Noel to strengthen once it ceases to be a tropical storm and turns into a large area of bad weather off the U.S. eastern seaboard. The winds could reach hurricane strength of 75 mph or more on Saturday off the North Carolina coast.

The forecast calls for the storm to continue northeast and hit Nova Scotia with winds of about 75 mph.

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