Florida remains in cone as Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 shifts east

The track of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine has moved east keeping Florida in its projected path, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. Wednesday update.

The storm now is about 105 miles SSW of St. Croix and moving about 23 mph. On the current forecast track, the system will pass south of Puerto Rico later tonight near or over Hispaniola on Thursday, near eastern Cuba and the southeastern Bahamas on Friday, and approach the northwestern Bahamas and southern Florida Friday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The current path now has the storm going straight up the Florida. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some increase in strength is forecast throughout the night.

The storm will reach the Walt Disney World area mid-day Sunday, Aug. 2. Initial winds would be felt in the area Saturday night.

 If the storm develops, it will become Tropical Storm Isaias.

The storm track and strength will most likely change during the next few days. You can get updates from the National Hurricane Center here.