Tropical storm lashes Bermuda with rain, winds

Tropical Storm Fay lashed Bermuda with heavy rain and fierce winds today morning, churning up rough surf as it brushed past the British island territory off the US coast.
Fay was centered about 85 miles (140 kilometers) north-northeast of Bermuda today and moving north-northeast at 20 mph (31 kph). The storm had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph) and gusts of up to 82 mph (132 kph).
A tropical storm warning was in effect on Bermuda. The US National Hurricane Center in Miami said Fay was not expected to gain any more strength, but warned that hurricane conditions were still a possibility and islanders should stay alert.

Fay was likely to pick up speed as the storm turned toward the northeast and moved away from Bermuda.
The island was expected to receive up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain in some areas. Bermuda's government weather service warned that the storm would cause hazardous surf throughout today.
Forecasters said a cold front was likely to absorb Fay tomorrow.