Tropical Storm Noel was expected to strengthen Wednesday after the center emerges over water north of Cuba, forecasters said. Noel weakened Tuesday over Cuba but heavy rains continued to deluge the Dominican Republic, Haiti and portions of the Bahamas. Gen. Luis Luna Paulino, director of civil defense for the Dominican Republic, said 16 people have died there and 16 are missing. Outlying bands of the storm were expected to reach the southeast edge of Florida on Wednesday night or Thursday morning, before veering from the U.S. coast. Forecasters say a tropical storm watch may be issued for that part of Florida later Tuesday or Wednesday. A storm watch means tropical storm conditions, including winds of at least 39 mph (62 kmh), are expected within 36 hours, the Associated Press reported.
