Tropical Storm Isaias

The National Hurricane Center is Tracking Tropical storm Isaias in the Caribbean Sea. This system was upgraded from Potential Storm #9 late Wednesday Night. After its impact with Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico, its path will bring to the Bahamas and South Florida.

Isaias is a large storm. Winds of 40 TO 60 miles per hour fan out from the center up to 415 miles. It should impact Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, and SE Bahamas today with heavy rain that can lead to life threatening flash flooding, land and mudslides. Gusty winds will be spread out through the region.

What to Expect

Isaias will move through the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and then cross into Dominican Republic today. How much of a disruption this will have on Isaias is still unknown. It may come out a much weaker system once in the Atlantic Waters. Nonetheless, heavy rain and gusty winds should spread into the Turks & Caicos and SE Bahamas later today.

What Next?

• Models suggest a more disorganized Isaias after its impact with Dominican Republic. The key will be where does the center emerge once in the Atlantic. A more Easterly placement and it could have more of a NW Bahamas heading. If on the other hand it emerges more westerly then a more South Florida route could be in the works. This uncertainty is reflected in the cone, with a slight shift to the east as of 8 am. That may change in either a west or east direction once in the Atlantic.

This placement will also play a role in determining how strong it will be after its clash with Dominican Republic. If it slows down, it may be able to soak up much needed fuel in the form of hot water. That could give it a chance to strengthen.

• For South Florida we are looking at the possibility of a stronger system leaning more to the East, or a weaker system leaning more over us. Either way, this is a huge storm in size. Impacts will be felt hundreds of miles away from the center. We may see advisories issued for South Florida later today.

Recon is scheduled for today that will give the Hurricane Center a better idea of Isaias' health and its surrounding.

We'll be watching