advisories, along with coordination between the national observatory at havana and u.s. weather bureau, were credited for the reduced deaths in cuba. weather observations were also readily available from cuban meteorological stations. on october 25, the cyclone's hurricane-force winds were expected to remain off the florida east coast, although gale-force winds were anticipated from the florida keys to palm beach, florida. accordingly, storm warnings were issued from key west, florida to vero beach, florida. military aircraft were transported to safer locations, while watercraft were stored in harbors and rivers. hotels and resorts were boarded up on the barrier islands. the bahamas received warnings well in advance of the hurricane. the hurricane turned quickly to the east, which reduced the threat to bimini, cat cay, grand bahama, and the abaco islands.