Tracking Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine | 10 Tampa Bay

What was once Invest 92-L has now developed into Potential Tropical Depression Nine (PTC9).

PTC9 is forecast to become Tropical Storm Isaias within the next 24 hours.

A "Potential Tropical Cyclone" is a designation given to a system that is likely to develop and expected to impact land within 48 hours. This allows a forecast cone and tropical alerts to be issued.

So, what can you expect next in the developing storm? As of 5 a.m., the storm does have tropical-storm-force winds. Winds are sustained at 40 mph with higher gusts. However, the storm lacks a good tropical cyclone organization with a defined center.

The National Hurricane Center's Aircraft Reconnaissance flew into the storm Tuesday afternoon to get additional data.

Most forecast models do strengthen the storm into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours and continue to strengthen it into the early part of the weekend. By Sunday, the storm is expected to weaken a bit as it approaches Florida.

While the forecast cone does take it into Florida, you can expect changes in the path and strength of the tropical system.

The takeaway for anyone in Florida? A storm that is four or five days out and hasn’t formed yet is hard to predict, with both its path and intensity.

As we say every day during hurricane season, have a hurricane kit and plan ready. Check back regularly for forecast updates on this storm.

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