Tropical storm warning issued as ernesto nears

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the coast of Honduras as Tropical Storm Ernesto approaches. The warning was issued early Monday and covers the area of the coast from the Nicaraguan border to Punta Sal and includes the Bay Islands. Also, Mexico has issued a hurricane watch for the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Ernesto's maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 kph) with some strengthening forecast, according to a report of the Associated Press. Meanwhile, farther in the Atlantic, Florence has weakened to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds near 35 (55 kph). Additional weakening is forecast and the U.S. National Hurricane Center says Florence is expected to degenerate within the next few days.