ORLANDO, Fla. _ Florida could still see tropical storm-force winds despite soon-to-be Tropical Storm Humberto moving farther off the state's east coast, the National Hurricane Center said Friday night.
"Tropical Depression Nine," which formed Friday afternoon was located near the already-battered Bahamas, picked up speed and is now moving northwest at 8 mph. The latest track shifted farther east and has it well off Florida's coast on Saturday.
"The system is now officially Trop Depression #9 and the updated track continues to take it farther away from Florida," said Fox 35 meteorologist Glenn Richards. "(We're) still expecting a few showers and winds of only 20 mph in metro Orlando (with) gusts to 30 mph along the coast this weekend with a rough surf."
The system has maximum sustained winds of 30 mph; it's expected on Saturday to have sustained 39 mph winds. If that happens, it will be named Tropical Storm Humberto.
A tropical storm watch is in effect from the Jupiter Inlet to Flagler-Volusia county line. The 5 p.m. projected path has the storm shifting east so its center is off the coast of Brevard County by 8 p.m. Saturday.
The storm is currently located 155 miles east-southeast of Great Abaco Island, and 260 miles east-southeast of Freeport, Bahamas both of which were devastated by Hurricane Dorian earlier this month.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall for the Bahamas and could also drench eastern Florida if its path brings it closer to the state.
A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
The NHC added that the depression is "forecast to become a tropical storm within the next 24 hours and will likely bring tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rainfall to portions of the northwestern Bahamas later today and Saturday."
"The system could still bring tropical storm conditions to portions of the Florida east coast. Residents there should monitor the progress of this system and follow any advice given by local officials," the NHC said.
Some forecast models show the storm potentially growing stronger.
"Global models insist on further development, and the reliable guidance suggests that the cyclone could even reach hurricane intensity in about 3 days, and so does the NHC forecast," the NHC said. "By then, the system is expected to be over the Atlantic waters well southeast of the coast of the Carolinas."
The Sunshine State is expected to receive between 2 and 4 inches of rain Saturday and Sunday, the NHC said, but significant storm surge is not expected along the coast.
The system is expected to be north of Jacksonville by Monday and farther out in the Atlantic with strengthened winds and gusts, both up to 60 mph.
Gov. Ron DeSantis advised Floridians to prepare as soon as possible.
"We are closely monitoring a Tropical Depression with (the Florida Division of Emergency Management)," he tweeted Friday. "Regardless of the exact track or development, Floridians along the East Coast should be prepared for heavy rain and potential flooding, have supplies ready and follow local media for updates."
While the system could have minimal impact on Central Florida it's important to be ready for the worst, said Fox 35 meteorologist Jayme King.
"Keep in mind this is not a hurricane, but don't let your guard down," King said. "Even in tropical storms you can have powerful gusts, there are possibilities of isolated tornadoes and a host of other factors that can unfold. Be ready and stay with us for the latest."
Meanwhile, two more tropical waves are being tracked by the National Hurricane Center.
The two systems located off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic are projected to be either in the Caribbean and near the Leeward Islands or approaching them in the NHC's five-day tropical outlook.
The NHC puts chances of the closer of the two systems of becoming a tropical depression at 20% in the next 48 hours and 50% in the next five days, with the system farther off only a 10% chance in the next 48 hours and 40% in the next five days.
