MIAMI — A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Gulf coast as Bonnie begins moving over South Florida.
The new tropical storm warning area extends from Destin, Fla., to Morgan City, La., and includes Lake Pontchartrain, north of New Orleans.
The tropical storm has maximum sustained winds Friday near 40 mph (65 kph). The storm is expected to strengthen when it moves into the Gulf of Mexico late Friday night and Saturday.
Bonnie is located about 30 miles (45 kilometers) south-southwest of Miami and is moving west-northwest near 18 mph (30 kph).
A tropical storm warning is already in effect for the northwestern Bahamas and Florida's east and west coasts.