 On February 2 , Groundhog Day , a disturbance was first observed in the western Caribbean Sea . Winds were estimated at around 35 mph ( 55 km / h ) , and it tracked rapidly northward , initially to the north @-@ northwest . After passing near Cancún along the Yucatan Peninsula , it turned northeastward and brushed the northwest coast of Cuba . Early on February 3 the storm approached Key West , and shortly thereafter moved ashore near Cape Sable , Florida . It quickly crossed the state , passing near Miami before emerging into the western Atlantic Ocean . The Miami National Weather Service office recorded a wind gust of 68 mph ( 110 km / h ) , as well as sustained tropical storm force winds for about four hours ; the station also recorded a barometric pressure of 1004 mbar ( 29 @.@ 66 inHg ) . 
