Tropical Storm Kate develops in the Atlantic

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) — Tropical Depression Twelve strengthened into Tropical Storm Kate Monday morning.

The storm is currently 40 miles ESE of Cat Island in the Bahamas with 40 mph sustained winds, making it a low grade Tropical Storm. With warm waters surrounding the Bahamas and off the coast of Florida some strengthening is still possible. Tropical Storm Warnings have been posted for the Bahamas, but Kate is not expected to directly impact the US. The storm will most likely be pulled to the northeast as we head through the next few days, staying off the eastern coast.

Although Kate is not expected to make landfall in the US the system could bring more moisture to the southeastern coast to enhance rainfall through Tuesday. 1-3 inches of rain is expected across Southeastern North Carolina by Wednesday morning. The WWAY Stormtrack3 Weather team will be monitoring the system closely over the next several days.