Havana ? Cuba evacuated dozens of coastal communities and promised to protect foreign tourists Sunday as the approaching Tropical Storm Fay lashed the island with heavy rains and winds. Forecasters warned Fay could turn into a hurricane.

Cuban state media reported little damage or major flooding so far as the storm churned just south of the country on a path that could take it over the island today and near the Florida Keys tonight.

A hurricane warning for Fay, which earlier left five people dead in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, was issued for Havana and eastward to Cuba’s central Sancti Spiritus province.

Authorities in four Cuban provinces evacuated nearly 5,000 residents from low-lying communities and pulled fishing boats out of the water, while setting up temporary shelters and food distribution centers.

Officials suspended traditional carnival celebrations in the province of Cienfuegos and state television showed images of workers moving equipment for precautionary reasons at ports and oil refineries. State media said authorities were ready to “protect” the 24,000 foreign tourists in the famous beach resort of Varadero, but provided no more details.

Winds damaged the roofs of some homes in little-populated areas and water accumulated on roads and highways, but there were no reports of major flooding.

Jose Rubiera, Cuba’s chief meteorologist, said Fay had brought gusts of wind of up to 70 mph as its center roared close to two coastal communities on the island’s southern tip.

The storm had slowed late Sunday and was expected to gain force. Rubiera told state television it could get close to reaching hurricane strength before crossing over Cuba.