Tropical Storm Fay closes on western Cuba

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) - Cuba braced for Tropical Storm Fay as it closed on the western end of the island nation overnight on its march toward the eastern Gulf of Mexico and Florida Keys, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Traffic out of the Florida Keys was brutal at times on Sunday as officials urged the evacuation of thousands from the path of the approaching storm, a Florida official said. "Sunday is the day that visitors usually leave this area," said Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson. "But there are more leaving now, a sign that the evacuation is going well." McPherson said as many as 25,000 people could be leaving.

Fay will remain below hurricane strength when it crosses western Cuba Monday morning and is expected to pass the Florida Keys area Monday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.