Tropical Storm Isaias could become hurricane
NHC warns of possible risks from winds, rain along state’s east coast
Tropical Storm Isaias’ projected path continued its eastward direction on Thursday with half of Florida still in its cone. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane on Friday, which could cause gusts up to 90 mph off the Sunshine State’s east coast this weekend, the National Hurricane Center said in its 8 p.m. update.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for the east coast of Florida from Ocean Reef northward to Sebastian Inlet, with more watches or warnings for the state possible.
“There is a risk of impacts from winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge this weekend along the Florida east coast and spreading northward along the remainder of the U.S. east coast through early next week,” the NHC said, though Isaias’ track and intensity forecast remain uncertain.
Fox 35 meteorologist Glenn
Richards said the track trend is “good so far” as it heads east. He said current models show the storm about 100 miles off Cape Canaveral early Sunday and should be far enough away to avoid sustained tropical storm winds albeit with some gusts, especially in east Orlando and along the state’s east coast. But, as always, that could change.
“If the models fluctuate even 50 miles or 70 miles back to the west, it would bring tropical storm winds and possible damage,” he said.
The Saharan Dust in the area should help keep the intensity of the storm down, Richards said. Some beach erosion along the Volusia and Brevard coasts is possible, he said.
At 8 p.m., Isaias’ forward motion slowed down a tad to 20 mph but its maximum sustainedwind speeds increased to 60 mph with tropical storm-force winds that can be felt as far as 240 miles away from its center, primarily from the northern direction, the Hurricane Center said. Isaias was located about 45 miles west-northwest of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The NHC said “Isaias is forecast to be near the Central Bahamas Friday night and move near or over the Northwest Bahamas and near South Florida on Saturday.” It’s expected to skirt the coast of Florida during the weekend before heading up the Georgia and Carolina coasts as a hurricane early next week.
The storm is forecast to be off the coast of Broward County at 2 p.m. Saturday with maximumsustained winds of 75 mph with 90 mph gusts, and then off the coast of Indian River early Sunday morning, again with winds of 75 mph with gusts up to 90 mph. Isaias is slated to be off of the Volusia County coast at 2 p.m. Sunday with 75 mph winds and 90 mph gusts.
The Metro Orlando area could see wind gusts of 40 mph and heavy rains with some localized flooding in low-lying areas on Sunday, said John Pendergrast, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The area could see 3 to 4 inches of rain with up to 5 inches along coastal areas like Brevard and Volusia counties, he said.
“The weather could clear up as early as the evening hours,” Pendergrast said.
Orange County officials are monitoring the storm and have extended the free, self-serve sandbag handouts until Saturday, pending weather. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels and wear masks. Anyone who lives in the county, including the cities, can get the sandbags. For a list of locations, visit ocfl.net/ Storm.
Residents should remain vigilant and be prepared, officials said.
“Even as the storm continues to track east, residents should be aware that severe weather may be in the forecast for this weekend,” a press release said.
Florida and Orange County have halted coronavirus testing in wake of the storm through at least Wednesday, though some sites may reopen before then depending on how the storm impacts certain areas.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday said even if the storm remains off shore, the state could still see impacts.
“This is an evolving situation so please keep up with official updates and make sure you have a plan and have seven days’ worth of food water and medicine,” DeSantis said.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Dominican Republic’s entire southern and northern coastlines, north coast of Haiti from Le Mole St Nicholas eastward to the northern border with the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos Islands and parts of the Bahamas. The northwestern Bahamas were under a hurricane warning.
Isaias has been somewhat of an enigma of a storm thus far for meteorologists trying to predict its development. Forecasters expected the ninth storm of the year to form Tuesday night, but instead saw winds rise to tropical-storm force strength without a welldefined center of circulation. The large storm, over 500 miles wide, center of circulation was broad and elongated; without tightened organization, Isaias remained only a “potential cyclone” until late Wednesday.
On Thursday, the storm, which still had a poorly-defined center, brought heavy rain and tropical-force winds to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico where it took down trees and electrical cables and left thousands without power and water, according to reports.
The 2020 hurricane season has already seen seven tropical storms: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, plus Hurricane Hanna, which hit Texas over the weekend, and now Isaias. The next named storms would be Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.
Get the latest hurricane coverage at Orland o S e n t i n e l .c o m / h u r r i cane.