Tropical Storm Elsa Prompts Evacuations In Cuba, Florida Declares State Of Emergency

180,000 people were forced to evacuate in Cuba as officials warned of heavy rains and potential flooding.

About 180,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes in Cuba on Sunday as Tropical Storm Elsa took aim at the island nation, and officials in Florida warned of dangerous storm conditions as the weather pattern moves toward the U.S. Elsa had sustained winds of 65 mph early Monday morning. A hurricane warning was in effect for parts of Cuba, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the storm may strengthen as it moves toward the country. Cuban officials began evacuating residents on Sunday, as they feared the storm would bring heavy flooding, The Associated Press reported. At least three people — one in St. Lucia and two in the Dominican Republic — have died from the storm, according to the AP.