Tropical Storm Florence (50 mph winds) continues to advance slowly west-northwestward. It is located to the northeast of the Lesser Antilles. Florence has changed little in strength during the past day; thanks to continuing shearing. Florence features an elongated area of thunderstorms, its center is exposed and some shearing continues. Florence will need to do some major reorganization to transform itself into a hurricane.
The current forecast track still eventually turns Florence in a more northerly direction this weekend, which would keep the eastern United States out of the direct path, but would threaten Bermuda at the same time. Although a direct east coast hit is not forecast at this time, a strengthening Florence would generate high surf, rip currents, water rises and beach erosion for the Eastern Seaboard. This forecast will be refined as Florence gets closer, but for now, everyone along the Eastern United States and Bermuda should simply monitor the latest forecast.