Hurricane Paula Aims to Swamp South Florida

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula has escaped the wrath of Hurricane Paula, but western Cuba and South Florida will not be so fortunate.

Paula remains a powerful Category 2 hurricane that is passing within 70 miles east of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Cuba will bear the brunt of Paula, but South Florida and the Keys will continue to receive torrential downpours and locally gusty thunderstorms.

Sosnowski said, "Marathon has received over 8 inches of rain thus far from a tongue of moisture extending outward from Paula, despite the storm's small size."

Tropical storm-force winds could also buffet the Keys and areas as far north as Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties in South Florida.

"Residents and visitors to these areas should expect disruptions to activities and travel due to periodic urban flooding and blinding downpours," Sosnowski added.

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist - Accuweather.com