Florida braced itself on Monday, August 18, as the tropical storm Fay gathered more momentum and strength as it hit Florida Keys, taking about 40 lives in the Caribbean. With the winds blowing at a speed of about 60 miles (95km) per hour, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center warned that it could build up to hurricane strength as it slowly pushes Monday toward the southwestern Florida coastline.

At 2400 GMT, the location of Fay was north of Key West vacation point or about 170 km south of mainland Florida at Naples. The National Hurricane Center announced, ‘Strengthening is expected Tuesday and Fay is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength as it approaches the southwestern coast of Florida.’ Florida was under a state of emergency due to a forewarning about the tropical storm Fay.