NHC Watching Tropical Storm Ophelia

Miami’s National Hurricane Center is currently tracking three tropical storms in the Atlantic, Ophelia, Maria and Nate. Only the first one poses any potential threat to the U.S. mainland.

At 5 a.m. EDT, The center of Tropical Storm Ophelia is located near latitude 28.3 N, longitude 78.9 west or about 105 miles East of Cape Canaveral. Ophelia is moving toward the north-northwest near 8 mph; this general motion, with a gradual decrease in forward speed, is expected to continue for the next 24 hours.

Ophelia’s maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Some slow
strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center.

Rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches, with isolated higher amounts of 8 inches can be expected across portions of central and northern Florida and southeastern Georgia. Dangerous surf conditions and rip currents will be possible along the southeastern U.S. coast from the Carolinas south to Florida.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the East Coast of Florida from Sebastian Inlet north to Flagler Beach. The tropical storm warning south of Sebastian Inlet has been discontinued and Bahamas government has discontinued all warnings for the Bahamas.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for the northeast Florida coast from north of Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach.