Tropical Storm Ophelia has re-formed in the Atlantic after spending the last few days as a tropical depression. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane Friday. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Philippe continues on a mostly westward path toward the Bahamas.
Ophelia has been traveling at about 7 mph and is expected to continue on a mostly northern path, well off Florida’s east coast.
Though the storm is not expected to have a direct impact on the state, the storm could kick up strong surf.
Ophelia should move faster toward the north-northwest and north over the next couple of days along the southwestern side of a subtropical high pressure area, according to the National Hurricane Center. Then, the storm is expected to turn toward the north-northeast and accelerate as it moves in the flow on the eastern side of a large mid-level trough near the East Coast.
Currently, Tropical Storm Ophelia is about 180 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Tropical Storm Philippe continues to head west-northwest and is currently about 1,175 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa.
The storm has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph with stronger gusts and is traveling at about 13 mph. There are no watches or warnings associated with the storm.
Though Philippe is expected to strengthen over the next 24 to 36 hours, the storm ultimately is forecast to degenerate into a remnant Monday. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm will be affected by extremely strong north-northwest shear associated with Tropical Storm Ophelia.