Tropical wave may strengthen, continue on path toward Florida

Some computer models take storm over South Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – A tropical wave now has a 80 percent chance of development over the next five days as computer models continue to show it on a track toward Florida.

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"We are closely watching a wave moving over the lesser Antilles," News 6 meteorologist Troy Bridges said. "It could become stronger later Wednesday and get the name Hermine."

Hurricane Hunters found that the system is getting better organized and has tropical storm-force winds, although the wind speed is not sustained.

"Most computer models bring the system to Florida by early Monday, but then there's a question about what it will do," Bridges said. "Some computer models show it going across the peninsula into the Gulf, while others have it turning north."

TRACKING THE TROPICS: Troy Bridges News 6 breaks down the tropical trouble.

Posted by News 6 WKMG / ClickOrlando on Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Elsewhere in the tropics

A system that once was Tropical Storm Fiona has died out.

"Meanwhile, as we watch Gaston, it is still a tropical storm, but it will stay out to sea and not impact land," Bridges said.

Gaston's maximum sustained winds had increased Wednesday to 70 mph.

Gaston is centered about 1,205 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands and is moving northwest at 17 mph.

The storm was expected to turn toward the northwest and decrease in forward speed in the next couple of days.

Central Florida forecast

Rain chances will be off and on Wednesday in the Orlando area as an east-southeast breeze kicks up and gusts near 20 mph through the afternoon.

Rain chances will be at 30 percent as the day progresses, Bridges said.

Expect high temperatures to be at 92 degrees.

"Rain chances will increase to 40 percent through the weekend," Bridges said. "Afternoon high temperatures will only reach the upper 80s by the end of the weekend and the start of next week as more clouds and rain roll in."

Watch News 6 for more on this story.