Tropical Depression Nine forms, tropical storm watch in effect for Florida coast

ORLANDO, Fla. – As of 11 a.m. Saturday, Tropical Depression Nine has formed in the Caribbean.

It is moving northwest with 35-mph winds. It’s expected to bring tropical storm conditions to the Bahamas this weekend and likely become Tropical Storm Imelda soon.

By Monday, it should track north, staying offshore and parallel to Florida’s east coast. Coastal conditions will worsen Sunday into early next week, with rough surf, high rip current risk, gusty winds up to 40 mph, and scattered heavy rain.

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A tropical storm watch is currently in effect along Florida’s east coast, including Brevard, Volusia and Flagler counties. Winds are expected to remain below tropical-storm strength, with peak sustained winds forecast between 15-30 mph and gusts up to 35 mph.

Additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is possible, with some areas seeing locally higher amounts. Overall, the potential impacts are minimal, with little to no risk of storm surge flooding.

It’s forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane by Tuesday morning. The good news? The system is farther southwest than expected, and the upper low that might’ve pulled it into the Carolinas is weakening.

Even better, Hurricane Humberto could help steer it out to sea by midweek, meaning less wind and rain for coastal Georgia and the Carolinas if this trend holds.

Still, things can change quickly. Stay alert and check for updates.