Rina Downgraded to Tropical Storm

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Rina has weakened to a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, down from 85 mph yesterday.

The storm is currently 90 miles south of Cozumel, Mexico, and 100miles east-northeast of Chetumal. Rina is a relatively small system; its tropical storm-force winds extend outward 85 miles. It is moving slowly northwest, at 6 mph.

In advance of the storm, approximately 50,000 people have evacuated from coastal locations likely to be impacted by destructive waves. The beach resorts, including Cancun, have been taking preparations as well—boarding up homes and businesses and opening shelters. Thousands of tourists left the popular string of beach resorts in the region.

Source: AIR Worldwide