Danny weakens to tropical storm; path still uncertain

Like a politician out of funds, the hurricane formerly known as Danny could not survive on bluster alone. The weather system was downgraded to a tropical storm Saturday evening after a day of waning. Maximum sustained winds were 65 mph.

Danny just barely clung to Category 1 hurricane status Saturday afternoon as it limped toward the Leeward Islands with top sus- tained winds of 75 mph, hurricane hunter aircraft reported to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane hunters found the storm’s motion slightly faster than earlier reports. According to the center’s 5 p.m. advisory, the storm was moving about 14 mph, after moving at about 10 to 12 mph in previous advisories.

Forecasters expected little change in Danny’s path, as it was expected to turn slightly more toward the west Saturday night. If its path continues, the storm would sweep across the Leeward Islands sometime Monday and be near Puerto Rico and Hispaniola either Tuesday or Wednesday, according to the hurricane center.

As for South Florida, it may be days before a realistic, Danny-related forecast can be issued for the area, forecasters say.

“As we get into early next week, we may then have a better idea,” said Kris Mattarochia, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Miami.

Significant wind shear appeared to be knocking the life out of Danny as it pressed through dry air, according to the hurricane center.

Forecasting models predicted intense wind shear could diminish Danny to tropical wave status days from now.

Meanwhile, a tropical storm watch continued to be in effect for portions of the Leeward Islands and flood warnings were issued for coastal municipalities in Puerto Rico.