(This story was updated to add new information.)
Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine (formerly Invest 94L) has become better organized and is expected to become a tropical storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm’s track continues to fluctuate, but impacts to the Wilmington area are likely. Local officials are urging residents to prepare now for tropical weather conditions as early as Monday, Sept. 29.
As of 5 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, the storm was located about 155 miles northwest of the eastern tip of Cuba and about 115 miles south of the central Bahamas. Maximum sustained winds had reached 35 mph, and the storm was moving at 7 mph.
A north-northwestward motion is expected to begin later Saturday and continue through Monday. On the forecast track, the center of the system is expected to move across the central and northwestern Bahamas this weekend and approach the Southeast United States coast early next week, the hurricane center said.
STORM TRACKER: Monitor the latest tropical developments here.
The track of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine remains uncertain as of Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, Humberto remains a major hurricane, but it doesn’t pose any direct threats to the United States.
No coastal watches or warnings were in effect for the North Carolina coast as of Saturday morning.
While it’s too early to predict what direct impacts Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine could have on Wilmington, the Wilmington-area is in the cone of uncertainty.
A cold front is expected to bring rain and storms this weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
‘Preparations matter’: Wilmington-area residents urged to stay alert for tropical conditions
More: Weather-related closings and cancellations for the Wilmington area
Here’s a look at the possible impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. Impacts are expected Monday into Tuesday with more effects possible later next week as well.
Wind
Tropical storm force winds could cause some downed trees and power outages across portions of Northeast South Carolina and Southeast North Carolina, especially along the coast.
Rain
Rainfall amounts from PTC #9 are expected to range from 4 to 6 inches on average. Amounts up to 8 to 10 inches are possible, however, especially if the storm stalls off the coast.
North Carolina weather radar
Storm Surge
Storm surge could lead to flooding in low-lying areas along the oceanfront, near inlets, waterways, and tidal creek areas. Significant erosion is possible at some beaches.
Flooding
Flash flooding could make roads impassable or create washouts in Northeast South Carolina and Southeast North Carolina.
Tornados
Isolated tornadoes could cause downed trees and structural damage.
Marine and surf hazards
Hazardous winds and seas, rough surf and life-threatening rip currents are possible in the Atlantic waters out 20 nautical miles and all area beaches.
Interactive map: Enter your address to see hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed nearby
Are you prepared?
With the track and intensity of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine uncertain, officials are urging residents to be prepared. Now is the time to check your hurricane supplies and make sure your home is secured against tropical weather.
GET READY: Here’s what to know about hurricane preparedness if you live in the Wilmington area.
Spaghetti models for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine
What are rip currents?
According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. Often these currents move swimmers far from shore before they realize it, taking them into deeper water. This can cause fear and distress as the swimmers attempt to make it back to shore.
How to identify a rip current
Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but beachgoers should look for water that is darker in color, choppy and leaves a break in the incoming wave pattern. They form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach. The water returns to sea through the rip current. Another clue may be a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.
What to do in a rip current
If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current.
While it may be difficult to do, the U.S. Lifesaving Association says swimmers should “relax,” noting the rip current will not pull them under. Swimmers should try swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.
The U.S. Lifesaving Association notes if the current circulates back toward the shore, floating or treading water may be a good way to get out of the current.
Finally, if you feel you are unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by yelling for help and waving to those on the shore.
Sherry Jones is the StarNews executive editor. You can reach her at sjones1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington, NC, tropical weather update for Potential Tropical Cyclone 9