Tropical Storm Fiona may be curving away from Florida

As we said last night, “don’t panic.” The latest computer models reveal that Tropical Storm Fiona may be curving away from Florida but will further strengthen. 

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) adjusted its tracking Friday to reflect the change. The weather models agree that Fiona should move westward over the next couple of days, to the south of the subtropical ridge across the central and western Atlantic. 

If you’ve lived in Sebastian long enough, you’ll know that even a tropical storm is something to be concerned about because of the tornadoes they can create. As a result, there was undoubtedly some panic yesterday by many residents. 

Most tropical storms and hurricanes have hit Sebastian during September and October. Unfortunately, we live in a hurricane-prone area, so we can’t ignore the facts, and it’s never good to play down storms or not take them seriously. We’re more than half way through the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane season, which ends on November 30.

NHC said Fiona is expected to reach the Leeward Islands late Friday afternoon and evening with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. 

“This brings the center of the storm across the Leeward Islands tonight and near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Saturday through early Sunday. Then, a turn toward the west-northwest and northwest is forecast as the storm reaches a weakness in the steering ridge. This would bring the center of Fiona near or over Hispaniola on Monday and then into the southwestern Atlantic by days 4-5.”

NHC also stated that “some short-term intensity fluctuations are possible given the sheared, asymmetric structure of the storm.” Environmental conditions could become more conducive for strengthening as the storm moves into the eastern Caribbean.

The storm will impact the weather in Sebastian, Florida. Here are the highs/lows and rain chances.

• Friday – 87/73 with a 40-80% chance of thunderstorms
• Saturday – 85/73 with a 50-80% chance of showers
• Sunday – 87/74 with a 70% chance of showers
• Monday – 87/75 with a 30% chance of showers

More rain this weekend winds only at 5 to 10 mph. Be sure to check out all the weekend events in Sebastian. There are a lot of indoor events in case it rains. 

We’ll keep you updated about Tropical Storm Fiona. Have a great weekend!