At 8 a.m., Tropical Storm Isaac was located 185 miles west-southwest of Fort Myers.

Maximum winds are 65 mph and the storm is moving to the WNW at 14 mph.

At the coast, higher winds and waves will generate a high risk of rip currents for most, if not all beaches. In addition, a few feet of storm surge is possible due to Tropical Storm Isaac.

The current forecast track from the National Hurricane Center continues to move the storm into the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to become a hurricane overnight, and demonstrate a gradual strengthening as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico.

After an initial WNW motion, the storm will eventually turn to the northwest, then north before landfall on the Central Gulf coast. Isaac is a large storm whose effects will be felt far from the center, and despite moving away from the peninsula, strong winds and rain continue to be felt in the peninsula. Tropical Storm warnings are still in effect for the Keys and much of the Gulf Coast due to the potential for tropical storm force winds and some storm surge. A hurricane warning is also in effect for the coastline of the western Panhandle, from the Alabama border to Destin. For more specific information about Isaac, visit the National Hurricane Center.

Rain bands from Isaac will also contain stronger cells within them that have a potential for damaging winds, as well as isolated tornadoes. As Isaac carries on, the largest risk for severe weather will shift northward up the peninsula, and towards the Panhandle. For more specific information on severe weather risk as well as potential Tornado Watches, visit the Storm Prediction Center.

A tropical wave in the far eastern Atlantic is producing disorganized thunderstorms. Some development may be possible before conditions become unfavorable, and the National Hurricane Center is forecasting a 30 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone within the next two days. A tropical wave has exited the coast of Africa, and does show some potential for slow development in the coming days. Development should be slow, and the National Hurricane Center gives only a 10 percent chance of it becoming a tropical depression in the next two days. The next name on the 2012 storm list is Kirk.

Source: Florida Department of Emergency Management