Tropical Depression Nine forms, coastal questions abound - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Tropical Depression Nine formed this morning over the Atlantic, and the storm is beginning to mature with greater circulation.  The tropical depression will likely become Tropical Storm Isaac in the very near future.

Satellite imagery shows the storm in the lower right (southeastern) part of the map, and it is moving west toward the Lesser Antilles.

There are many, many questions regarding the track of this storm, but virtually all computer models continue to show strengthening as the storm pushes farther west, across the Caribbean Sea.  Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Lesser Antilles, and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Puerto Rico.  The official National Hurricane Center track forecasts the storm to become a hurricane by the end of the week.

Some curving to the north is expected, although it is not yet clear how sharply (or soon) the curve will occur.  Therefore, those in the Caribbean and along the Southeast Coast, from the Gulf side of Florida to the Atlantic beaches, all the way up into the Carolinas, will continue to watch closely.

Any impact - if there is one on the Continental US - will not likely be until next week.