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Tropical Storm Laura brings life-threatening flash flooding over Dominican Republic, Haiti

Posted at 11:43 AM, Aug 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-23 17:39:05-04

MIAMI, Fla. — Tropical Storm Laura is bringing heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding over portions of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica, the National Hurricane Center said.

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As of the 5 p.m. update, Laura is about 50 miles south of Guantanamo, Cuba, according to NHC. The system is packing 60 mph winds and is moving west at 21 mph.

Laura is forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane late Tuesday or Tuesday night, NHC said.

ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips says intensity is a major question mark for Laura.

On Thursday morning, Tropical Depression Fourteen also formed over the Caribbean Sea. It's also expected to develop into Tropical Storm Marco on Friday, according to NHC.

Meanwhile, Marco strengthened into a hurricane Saturday afternoon, Marco does not pose a threat to Florida.

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Watches and Warnings:

Tropical Storm Warning:* The northern coast of the Dominican Republic from Samana to the border with Haiti* Entire coast of the Haiti* The southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands * Cuban provinces of Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Ciego De Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Mayabeque, La Habana, Artemisa, Pinar del Rio, and the Isle of Youth

Tropical Storm Watch:* Florida Keys from Craig Key to Key West and the Dry Tortugas

This story was first reported by Emily McCain at WFTS in Tampa Bay, Florida.