Tracking the Tropics: July 29
FOX 35 meteorologist Glenn Richards tracks what could become Tropical Storm Isaias.
ORLANDO, Fla. – An area of rain and storms moving across the Caribbean is expected to become Tropical Storm Isaias and could target Florida, as its path keeps the state in its cone.
As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the area of rainfall and storms was moving from west to northwest at 23 mph with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. It is located just 105 miles south of St. Croix and 180 miles south-southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Some strengthening is expected and the system is expected to become Tropical Storm Isaias on Wednesday. Doing so would be the ninth named storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.
FOLLOW THE TROPICS – Visit the FOX 35 Orlando Hurricane Center for the latest in the tropics, including daily updates, live radars, and severe weather alerts.
The center of the storm is expected to move near or over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Wednesday night, then over Hispaniola on Thursday, reaching the southeastern Bahamas on Friday. It will produce heavy rains and life-threatening flash floods and landslides in the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the following areas:
- Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra
- US Virgin Islands
- British Virgin Islands
- Montserrat, Saint Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla
- Saint Martin and Saint Bartholomew
- Saba and Saint Eustace
- San Martin
- Dominican Republic on the entire south and north coast
- North coast of Haiti from Le Mole San Nicolás east to the northern border with the Dominican Republic
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Southeast Bahamas, including Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Inaguas, Mayaguana, and Ragged Islands
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the following areas:
- Central Bahamas, including Cat Island, Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador
Florida remains within the cone of uncertainty, according to the last lead.
FOX 35 meteorologist Glenn Richards expects tropical storm conditions in Florida to begin as early as Saturday and continue throughout the weekend. However, he explained that “the exact path and force is too early to call due to all the obstacles that this system must overcome”.
STAY PREPARED: Get everything you need to know about the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season with the FOX Guide 35 Orlando Hurricane
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially started on June 1, has produced seven tropical storms and one hurricane since May 16. Hurricane Hanna became the first hurricane to make landfall in Texas in July since 2008 on Saturday.
Download the FOX 35 Weather app to track the tropics on your phone, receive severe weather alerts, and get the latest daily forecasts.
Track the tropics in the FOX 35 weather app
FOX 35 meteorologist Allison Gargaro tracks the tropics in the FOX 35 weather app.
Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest weather updates and severe weather alerts.
