Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen continues to move northward in the Caribbean Sea, as tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of Cuba and the Bahamas.
- Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen forms in Caribbean
- PTC 18 likely to get the name Philippe tonight or tomorrow
- Tropical storm warnings up for parts of Cuba, Bahamas
- Track the Tropics: Formation potentials, computer models, animated images
The latest update has the cyclone located about 380 miles south-southwest of Havana, Cuba. Maximum sustained winds remain at 40 mph.
The system lacks a defined center, but it is likely to develop into a tropical storm later tonight or early Saturday. After it becomes a tropical storm, its name will be Philippe.
The central minimum pressure is 1006 mb, and the storm is currently moving to the north-northwest at 6 mph.
Tropical storm warnings have been posted for parts Cuba and the northwestern Bahamas. A tropical storm watch is now in effect for the central Bahamas.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for:
- Isla de la Juventud, La Habana, Ciudad de la Habana, Matanzas,
- Cienfuegos and Villa Clara.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for:
- Central Bahamas.
Tropical-storm force winds extend 80 miles from the center, mainly to the south of the center.
Tropical waves are upgraded to potential tropical cyclones when systems are expected to become tropical storms but have yet to intensify.
PTC Eighteen will continue to lift northward tonight and then begin to turn to the northeast on Saturday and Sunday. The system will move across western Cuba and the northwestern Bahamas this weekend.
Tropical-storm force winds will likely reach Cuba on Saturday and parts of the Bahamas by Saturday night.
The cyclone will bring heavy rainfall to parts of South Florida and the Florida Keys this weekend. Flooding will be a concern in parts of this area over the next 48 hours, with 3 to 5 inches of rain likely and isolated 8-inch amounts.
Central Florida will also see some rain from this system, but the center of the storm is expected to stay well to the south. Areas north and northwest of Orlando will see minimal impacts from the cyclone.
PTC Eighteen will eventually move out to sea early next week.
Hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30.