ORLANDO, Fla. — The tropics remain very active, with the primary focus being major Hurricane Florence, located 355 miles south-southwest of Bermuda and 670 miles east-southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina.

On the latest track, Florence is projected to make landfall somewhere along the Carolina coastline late Thursday night into early Friday.

Hurricane Florence a major Category 4 storm

Florence is a major Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph. Florence will remain a major hurricane as it nears the Carolina coast.

Even though it's far from Florida, swells generated by Florence have begun to impact the southeastern U.S., including Florida, and will continue to do so through much of this week.

Locally, a coastal flood advisory has been issued for Flagler County until 8 p.m. Friday, and a high rip-current risk will remain in effect for all of the east coast of Central Florida through Friday.

Florence is moving to the west-northwest at 17 mph. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center; tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. The minimum central pressure is 946 mb.

The following watches and warnings have been posted:

A storm surge warning is in effect for:

  • South Santee River South Carolina to Duck North Carolina
  • Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, including the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers

A storm surge watch is in effect for:

  • Edisto Beach South Carolina to South Santee River South Carolina
  • North of Duck North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia Border

A hurricane warning is in effect for:

  • South Santee River South Carolina to Duck North Carolina
  • Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds

A hurricane watch is in effect for:

  • Edisto Beach South Carolina to South Santee River South Carolina
  • North of Duck North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia Border

A tropical storm watch is in effect for…

  • North of the North Carolina/Virginia Border to Cape Charles Light Virginia
  • Chesapeake Bay South of New Point Comfort

Interests from South Carolina through coastal Virginia should continue to pay close attention to future forecasts.

After landfall, Florence is projected to stall somewhere in the mid-Atlantic region, where it will pose a significant flood threat because of the incredible amount of rainfall it's forecast to dump.

Some areas could exceed 30 inches of rain from the storm.

For Central Florida, Florence will bring significant wave activity along our Atlantic coast, a dangerous high rip current threat and possible coastal erosion due to the crashing waves. The core of Florence is expected to stay well to the north of our area.

Isaac weakens to tropical storm

Elsewhere, Isaac is a strong tropical storm located about 580 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Maximum sustained winds are 65 mph.

Isaac is expected to maintain tropical storm status as it moves west toward the Lesser Antilles. While it is still too early to tell the future of Isaac beyond the Lesser Antilles, models are hinting it will battle wind shear and weaken in the Caribbean Sea. 

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for…

  • Guadeloupe
  • Martinique
  • Dominica

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for…

  • Antigua
  • Montserrat
  • St. Kitts and Nevis
  • Saba and St. Eustatius

There is great uncertainty regarding Isaac, so we encourage you to check back often for updates.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for…

  • Guadeloupe
  • Martinique
  • Dominica

A tropical storm watch is in effect for…

  • Antigua
  • Montserrat
  • St. Kitts and Nevis

Isaac is expected to produce rainfall of 3 to 5 inches with some isolated totals near 10 inches across Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe. A storm surge of 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels is possible.

Hurricane Helene continues to intensify

Hurricane Helene is maintaining category two status sitting 765 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Helene will turn north late Wednesday and weaken. It will not threaten the United States.

Elsewhere

Finally, an upper level disturbance over northern Yucatan Peninsula is projected to move into the Gulf of Mexico and potentially take on tropical characteristics. While it would not threaten Florida, interests in coastal Texas and Louisiana are encouraged to watch the progress of this system. The next name on the list is Joyce.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.