Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Florida's East Coast as Depression Nine Forms Near Bahamas

A tropical storm watch has been issued for Florida's east coast after the formation of Tropical Depression Nine near the Bahamas, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The watch extends from the Palm Beach/Martin county line northward to the Flagler/Volusia county line.

As of 2 p.m. Saturday, the depression was located approximately 120 miles south-southwest of the central Bahamas, moving northwest at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The NHC forecasts a north-northwestward motion beginning later today, with the system expected to move across the central and northwestern Bahamas over the weekend and approach the southeastern U.S. coast early next week.

The system is anticipated to strengthen into a tropical storm by Saturday night and potentially reach hurricane status by late Monday or Tuesday. While the updated forecast cone no longer includes Florida in its long-range path, the proximity of the system is expected to cause hazardous conditions along the Florida coast. The National Weather Service in Melbourne noted that the system is forecast to make an uncomfortably close pass near Florida late Sunday through Monday, with ensemble guidance favoring a northward motion as it parallels the coast.

The watch encompasses all of Central Florida's Atlantic coast, including Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties. Increasing swells are projected to lead to 15-foot seas in offshore waters, with breaking waves of 6-8 feet expected on Florida's east coast as early as Sunday afternoon. A high surf advisory is anticipated on Sunday, accompanied by a high risk of rip currents and minor to moderate beach erosion.

The NHC also issued a tropical storm warning for portions of the northwestern and central Bahamas, including Eleuthera, New Providence, the Abacos, Berry Islands, Andros Island, Grand Bahama Island, Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador. Residents in these areas, as well as along the southeast coast of the United States from Florida to North Carolina, are advised to monitor the progress of this system.

In addition to Tropical Depression Nine, Hurricane Humberto has intensified into a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. Located about 720 miles south-southeast of Bermuda, Humberto is forecast to turn northward by Tuesday, potentially impacting Bermuda.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had previously updated its season forecast to predict 13-18 named storms, with 5-9 developing into hurricanes, and 2-5 reaching major hurricane status of Category 3 or higher. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.