The tropical system in the Northwestern Caribbean has continued to get better organized and a tropical storm will likely be declared later this evening.

  • Next name on storm name list is Philippe
  • System should pose no threat to Florida's west coast
  • Could cause heavy rain, gusty winds in South Florida

The next name on the list is Philippe.

This system will pose no threat to the West Coast of Florida, as a strong cold front will arrive early Sunday morning and push the tropical moisture out into the Atlantic.

However, it could cause some heavy rain and gusty winds in South Florida Saturday Night into Sunday. We will have some rain reach our area as well before the front moves through.

Gusty winds and hazardous boating conditions developing Sunday morning will be from the cold front and not from the tropical system.

LOCATION...17.5N 84.5W
ABOUT 305 MI SSW OF THE ISLE OF YOUTH
ABOUT 415 MI SSW OF HAVANA CUBA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW AT 6 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1006 MB...29.71 INCHES

A faster northward motion is expected to begin tonight, followed by a faster motion toward the northeast on Saturday and Sunday. On the forecast track, the system will move across western Cuba late Saturday and move through the northwestern Bahamas Saturday night and early Sunday.

Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 to 36 hours.

The government of Cuba has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Cuban provinces of Isla de la Juventud, La Habana, Ciudad de la Habana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, and Villa Clara.

The government of the Bahamas has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the northwestern Bahamas, including the Abacos, Andros Island, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island, and New Providence.

The government of the Bahamas has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the central Bahamas, including Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.