Tropical Storm Isaias – Update #3 – 7/30/2020

University of Florida officials are continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias.

Here’s what we know today

Tropical Storm Isaias is currently located near Hispaniola. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Isaias will produce heavy rains and potentially life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides across Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, northern Haiti, the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas. Heavy rains associated with the tropical storm may begin to affect South Florida Saturday morning, potentially resulting in isolated flash and urban flooding.

Tropical storm conditions will continue across portions of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico today and will spread westward to portions of Dominican Republic, Haiti, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas later today and through Friday.  Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for those areas.

There is a risk of impacts from winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge along portions of the U.S. East Coast beginning this weekend in Florida. Due to Tropical Storm Isaias interacting with Hispaniola, the details of the track and intensity forecast remain uncertain, and it is too soon to determine the magnitude and location of the potential impacts.

No watches or warnings are currently in place for Florida. However, tropical storm or hurricane watches could be issued later today for South Florida. UF units with operations in coastal portions of South and Central Florida should closely monitor forecasts and be prepared to follow guidance from local officials.

Moreover, no tropical warnings or watches are currently in place for Alachua County, and no operational changes are anticipated for the UF campus in Gainesville. We will continue to monitor and update the UF community on latest forecasts or schedule changes as information is available.

For updated information, please visit National Hurricane Center.