Storm makes weekend a washout

Tropical Storm Philippe paid a wet and windy visit to South Florida on Saturday, causing flooding and damaging several mobile homes in Boynton Beach. At least one tornado was reported. The National Hurricane Center expected the storm to strengthen as it turned northeast. A strong cold front is following the tropical system and could produce lows in the 50s tonight, with some rain sticking around.

Tropical Storm Philippe was passing over the Straits of Florida about 75 miles southwest of Key West as of 8 p.m. Saturday evening, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm formed just before 5 p.m. Saturday, and soon shifted west, putting more of South Florida in the cone; a tropical storm watch was issued for coastal South Florida from Miami-Dade to the Upper Keys.

Heavy rains across parts of South Florida began Saturday afternoon from the fringes of the fast-moving storm as it raced across Cuba at about 29 mph. By 8 p.m., it had slowed just slightly.

The rains were expected to be heavy into today.

A flood watch had been issued for Broward, MiamiDade and Palm Beach counties through 4 a.m. today, with 2 to 4 inches of rain possible, and 6 inches in isolated areas. An isolated tornado threat continues through this morning.

The winds have already damaged some structures, including several mobile homes in Boynton Beach, according to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Crews responded just after 6 p.m. to reports of damaged homes near the 4000 block of 88th Court South inside Parry Trailer Village.

Crews reported moderate damage to the homes and