Eastern US Gulf watching Tropical Storm Hermine

Forecasters are monitoring at least four separate storm systems that could impact drilling rigs and shipping on the Atlantic. The cyclone is expected to shift northeast, bringing it over northern Florida and out into the Atlantic by Saturday. (Source: National Weather Service)

HOUSTON (ICIS)–US forecasters upgraded tropical depression nine to Tropical Storm Hermine on Wednesday, stating that the system currently over the south-central Gulf of Mexico will approach the northwest Florida coast on Thursday afternoon.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued hurricane watches for small parts of Florida, a tropical storm warning for larger Florida counties and a tropical storm watch for parts of Florida and Georgia.

Hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected in the area within 36 hours.

According to forecasts, isolated tornadoes are possible Wednesday night into Thursday morning mainly across central Florida, with a lesser chance Thursday over north Florida and southeast Georgia.

Tropical depression eight continues to drift away from North Carolina’s coast, while Hurricane Gaston is moving faster to the northeast Atlantic. The tropical wave off the coast of Africa is continuing its westward movement, with forecasters expecting it to strengthen by Sunday.

NOAA added that interests along the US east coast from Georgia through the Carolinas should keep monitoring the situation.