Tropical Storm Laura brings heavy winds, rain to parts of the Caribbean

Tropical Storm Laura strengthened as it approached Puerto Rico on Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said, as residents reported heavy rain and strong winds in the early afternoon. The centre of the storm was expected to move away from Puerto Rico as it moved over Hispaniola in the afternoon and night, and “near or over eastern Cuba Sunday and Sunday night.” Maximum sustained winds increased to near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts by 2 p.m. ET on Aug. 22. The storm also brought heavy rain, strong