Tomas regains hurricane strength and heads for Cuba

(CNS):  Updated Friday morning  — At 4am this morning, local time, Tomas had re-strengthen into a hurricane and by 7am  it was about 80 miles south of Guantanamo, Cuba. Tomas is moving toward the northeast near 9 mph but poses no threat to the Cayman Islands. An increase in forward speed is expected over the next couple of days and is forecast to pass Haiti later this morning and eastern Cuba today where it does pose a threat. Tomas which is a category one hurricane is now packing winds of near 85mph with further strengthening possible. Meanwhile, a strong cold front is forecast to move across the Cayman area tonight bringing fresh to strong North-northwesterly winds and rough seas.

Today will be partly cloudy with a 30 % chance of a few showers and some thunder. Temperatures will rise to the mid 80’s. Winds will be northwest 15 to 20 knots. Seas will be rough with wave heights of 5 to 7 feet especially along the west and north coasts. A small craft warning is in effect. Tonight will all so see cloudy skies with an increased 40 % chance of widely scattered showers and thunder, especially late tonight. Temperatures will fall to the low 70’s. Winds will be north to northwest 20 to 25 knots. Seas will be rough with wave heights of 6 to 8 feet especially along the west and north coasts.