Tropical Storm Fred forms in the Atlantic. The track has shifted south, but South Florida is still in the cone of concern.  The National Hurricane Center says that wind and rainfall may begin to impact the Keys and South Florida as early as Friday.

It’s still too early to pinpoint what areas will be directly impacted by the storm.  It’s also too early to know how strong it will be when it’s closest to us.  Right now, the Hurricane center is predicting that Fred will weaken into a Tropical Depression as it interacts with the island of Hispaniola.  However, it’s expected to regain strength on Thursday and become a Tropical Storm again as it approaches the Keys.

KEY MESSAGES:

1. Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in portions of the Dominican Republic this morning. Tropical storm conditions are possible in northern Haiti and the southeastern Bahamas by late today.

2. Heavy rainfall could lead to flash, urban, and small stream flooding, along with possible rapid river rises and the potential for mudslides across the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The greatest threat for flooding impacts will be across eastern and southern Puerto Rico.

3. There is a risk of wind and rainfall impacts elsewhere in portions of Hispaniola, the Bahamas, and Cuba during the next few days, although the forecast is more uncertain than usual since Fred is forecast to interact with Hispaniola today. Interests in these areas should monitor Fred’s progress and updates to the forecast.

4. There is a risk of wind and rainfall impacts in Florida beginning Friday in the Keys and spreading northward through portions of the Peninsula and the Panhandle this weekend. However, it is too soon to determine the exact timing, location, and magnitude of any potential impacts. Interests throughout Florida should monitor Fred’s progress and check updates to the forecast.

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