The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been monitoring the activity of Tropical Storm Noel, developing in the Bahamas and just south of Florida and moving westward.

According to FEMA, the agency has activated its Regional Response Coordination Center in Thomasville, Georgia and is coordinating with federal, state, and local governments to identify resources and activate plans in preparation for possible heavy rain and high winds.

At press time, the National Weather Service reported that the center of Tropical Storm Noel is about to emerge off the north coast of Cuba and a tropical storm warning remains in effect for the central and northwestern Bahamas. Noel has sustained nearly 40 mph winds and above normal tides are expected for the warning areas.

In addition to federal, state, and local governments, FEMA is urging citizens to protect their homes by:

Securely anchoring manufactured homes to concrete foundations

Installing backflow valves in waste lines to prevent contamination

Removing old shingles and adding more nails to roof boards

Elevating utilities such as fuse boxes, heating and ventilating equipment above known flood levels

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Special Reports /

Tropical Storm Noel Nears Cuba, Bahamas

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