Tropical Storm Hermine forms in the Gulf of Mexico

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The National Hurricane Center has confirmed the tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico has strengthened into Tropical Storm Hermine, the 8th named Atlantic storm this season. It’s likely to strengthen further and is expected to make landfall Thursday over the northern coast of Florida as a tropical storm, but could reach hurricane strength before that time. Therefore, a hurricane watch has been posted for portions of the coast from near Tampa northwestward into the panhandle with tropical storm watches for portions of the east coast of Florida and Georgia.

The latest forecast computer models continue to shift the track of Hermine to the west which increases the threat for heavy rain, wind and possible tornadoes to southeast NC. Residents are urged to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and start to prepare for the possibility for winds that could cause power outages, and some limbs and some trees to come down. If you live in a flood prone area, monitor water levels during the storm. The good news is this will be a relatively fast moving storm and will be gone by most of the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Stay tuned for the latest information in the WWAY Hurricane Center.