Tropical Storm Churns Toward South Florida

MIAMI — A weather system churning across Cuba became Tropical Storm Elena on Wednesday and threatened southern Florida as it moved over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters said. The storm had sustained winds of 39 m.p.h. and gusts of up to 50 m.p.h.

The hurricane center issued a warning for all small craft to remain in port throughout South Florida, and a storm watch was issued for the Bahamas. If the storm remained on its westerly course, its force would be felt fullest in South Florida during the night, forecasters said.