Southwest Florida in forecast cone for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, likely to become Isaias

Our team is monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone #9, about 600 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands. It is likely to become Tropical Storm Isaias (ees-ah-EE-ahs).

Southwest Florida is included in the forecast cone, but it’s important to remember that a lot can change between now and this weekend.

Hurricane Hunters are currently scheduled to investigate the system this afternoon, which will help the National Hurricane Center determine how strong it is and when they believe a depression could form.

Environmental conditions are expected to become more favorable for development over the next few days, but there is still model discrepancy on how strong this system could get, and where it could go. Right now, it’s ingesting a lot of dry, Saharan air and that has temporarily lowered the shower and storm activity associated with it.

Regardless of development, locally heavy rain is likely across portions of the Lesser Antilles beginning later today and continuing through Wednesday, especially in the Leeward Islands.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten.

Elsewhere in the tropics is calm (for now). Trust our team to bring you the latest all season long!