Tropical Storm Isaias To Pass Near Florida

Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, mentioned Tuesday, became Tropical Storm Isaias at around 11pm Wednesday.

It has since strengthened to 60 mph winds. It is located 45 miles WNW of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Isaias is moving to the northwest at 17 mph. 

After moving away from the Dominican Republic and nearby islands, Isaias should strengthen into a hurricane.

It would then pass over portions of the Bahamas and near Florida over the weekend. 

By the way, Isaias is pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs, the National Hurricane Center said.

The center of Isaias is expected to pass east of Florida, but tropical storm winds can extend far from the center and could therefore affect the coastline. Hurricane winds can't be ruled out. 

A few hundred miles west of Africa, showers had been developing last night and organizing. However, today they have dissipated a lot. Still, some circulation remains.

After tomorrow, environmental conditions are expected to be unfavorable for development. Therefore, only a small window exists for the development of a tropical depression.