Ernesto Goes Relatively Easy on Caribbean

Compared to other recent storms, Tropical Storm Ernesto spared the Caribbean major damage as it passed through the region. The storm, which briefly gained Category 1 hurricane status before weakening, caused two deaths in Haiti and destroyed about 200 homes. In the neighboring Dominican Republic, about 400 homes were damaged by flooding and mudslides in Santo Domingo and San Cristobal province. In Cuba, where 700,000 people were evacuated from eastern provinces ahead of the storm, no damage or deaths were reported. Parts of the Bahamas remain under a tropical storm watch as Ernesto heads north towards Florida.