Tropical Storm Fay made landfall in southwestern Florida early this morning but did not develop into a hurricane as feared, the Miami Herald reports. Heavy rain and 60mph winds have hit the state, but Fay is expected weaken as it moves inland. Officials warn that the storm could spawn flooding and tornadoes, and storm tides 5 feet above average were predicted.
Many Floridians who have ridden out major hurricanes seemed little fazed by Fay, but authorities warned against complacency. "I've seen as many people die when I have a blob-shaped asymmetrical storm that they dismiss as not being very dangerous," Florida's emergency management chief told the AP.
(More Tropical Storm Fay stories.)