Tropical Storm Ernesto surprised forecasters by failing to strengthen yesterday before reaching the southern tip of the state. The decaying system made landfall at 11:30 last night on Plantation Key with 45 mile-an-hour winds.

Only about half an inch of rain fell at Miami International Airport. One of the highest wind gusts recorded was 58 miles-an-hour in Key Biscayne.

It's expected to continue over Florida as a weak tropical storm. Its top sustained winds decreased to 40 miles-an-hour.

Forecasters say Ernesto could weaken to a tropical depression later today, but rainbands with strong, gusty winds will continue throughout the day.

The center is about 75 miles southwest of West Palm Beach moving north near eight miles-an-hour.