August 17, 2009

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- A tropical storm that popped up
quickly in the Gulf of Mexico promises a heavily rain-soaked start
to the week for residents all along the Florida Panhandle.

Forecasts say Tropical Storm Claudette also was bearing a threat
of scattered heavy rains to southwestern Georgia and southern
Alabama.

Claudette became a named storm on Sunday, intensifying from a
tropical depression. Winds strengthened to at least 50 mph as it
took aim at the northern rim of the Gulf Coast late Sunday.

More storms are still lurking out in the Atlantic.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami say
Tropical Storm Ana was nearing the Leeward Islands early Monday and
Tropical Storm Bill has intensified far from land in warm Atlantic
waters.