FOX 35 Weather Alert Day: Isaias remains a tropical storm, shifts slightly west closer to Florida's east coast
LAKE MARY, Fla. - Isaias remains a tropical storm after it was downgraded Saturday afternoon, as it continues to move closer to Florida's east coast, bringing along a risk for severe weather.
A FOX 35 WEATHER ALERT DAY is in place for the whole weekend.
In its 2 a.m. advisory on Sunday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the storm is moving northwest at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.
FOX 35 Chief Meteorologist Glenn Richards said the storm shifted slightly west closer to Florida's east coast, meaning a stronger impact on coastal communities.
He said the storm could regain its strength as a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall on Sunday.
"The brand new computer model brings the center of Isaias up Interstate 95, with 81 mph winds out at Port Canaveral," Richards said. "Please, if you're along the coastline, you need to take precautions. Inland, we're expecting some damage as well with possible power outages. All of this begins to ramp up for our viewing area late Sunday morning."
Sustained winds near Orlando are expected to be around 40 mph at the peak, with gusts near 50 mph.
TRACK THE TROPICS: Visit the FOX 35 Orlando Hurricane Center for the latest in the tropics, including daily updates, live radar, and severe weather alerts.
STAY PREPARED: Get all you need to know about the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season with the FOX 35 Orlando Hurricane Guide
ACTIVE WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
Hurricane Warning is in effect for:
Coastal Volusia County, Southern Brevard County, Northern Brevard County
Storm Surge Watch is in effect for:
Coastal Volusia County, Southern Brevard County, Northern Brevard County, Coastal Flagler County
Tropical Storm Warning is in effect:
Inland Volusia County, Seminole County, Orange County, Osceola County, Inland Flagler County, Coastal Flagler County
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Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for Friday ahead of the system's arrival.
Gov. DeSantis sent a letter to President Trump requesting that he declare a pre-landfall emergency for the State of Florida.
Saturday afternoon, DeSantis gave an update on the storm.
The governor says the state is “fully prepared for this and any future storm during this hurricane season,” with stockpiles of personal protective equipment, generators, bottled water and meals ready to be distributed.
But, he urged that people have seven days of food, water, and medication on hand and said state-run coronavirus testing sites in the areas where the storm could hit would be closed.
RELATED: Red Cross advises you take these safety steps as Hurricane Isaias approaches Florida's coast
The eye of Isaias was observed from above on the morning of July 31 by a crew aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aircraft.
Isaias is the second hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.