Rina Becomes Hurricane Sooner Than Expected

NOAA’s National Hurricane Center has issued an advisory that Tropical Storm Rina has become a hurricane today. A day before the 11:00 a.m forecast which called fore Rina to reach hurricane strength by Tuesday night.

As of 2:00 p.m. EDT on October 24, 2011, Hurricane Rina is located 195 miles southwest of the Grand Cayman Island, with maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour with higher gusts.

Rina is headed northwest at 5 miles per hour and a turn to the west-northwest is expected later today.

A tropical storm watch that was in effect for the coast of Honduras from Punta Castilla eastward to the Nicaraguan border has been canceled.

Rina is expected to head towards western Cuba by Saturday.

Source: Brevard Times