Isaac now a strong tropical storm, will pick up strength as it approaches land
MIAMI (FOX 35 WOFL) - Isaac is now a strong tropical storm over the Central Tropical Atlantic.
Tropical Storm Isaac, located 775 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, is moving towards the west near 16 miles per hour (mph). This general motion is expected to continue for the next few days. Maximum sustained winds for Isaac are near 70 mph. Isaac is expected to move near or over the central Lesser Antilles on Thursday and move into the eastern Carribbean Sea on Thursday night.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in their 11 a.m. advisory that not much change in strength is forecasted for Isaac during the next few days, but it is expected to be near hurricane strength again as it moves through the Lesser Antilles, with some weakening forecasted afterward on Friday.
They also said that Isaac is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of three to five inches with isolated amounts near ten inches across the Leeward Islands late this week, with one to two inches anticipated across the Windward Islands.
Also according to the NHC, a storm surge of two to four feet above normal tide levels is possible near and to the north of where the center moves through the Lesser Antilles. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
And finally, the NHC says that swells generated by Isaac will begin to affect portions of the Lesser Antilles on Wednesday afternoon. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
The government of France has issued a Hurricane Watch for Guadeloupe and Martinique. The government of Barbados has issued a Hurricane Watch for Dominica. The meteorological service of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Antigua and Montserrat.
See what Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Helene are up to HERE.
Be sure to keep up with the latest on the 2018 Hurricane Season HERE. And you can download your Hurricane Guide in English HERE or in Spanish HERE.