ORLANDO, Fla. – As of the 5 p.m. National Hurricane Center update Tropical Storm Fernand has formed in the southwestern Atlantic. As the storm moves northeast over the next few days it should stay well east of Bermuda.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Fernand could strengthen a little more before weakening is expected to begin Tuesday. This storm will stay over open water.

Meanwhile we continue to watch another tropical wave roughly 650 miles east of the Windward Islands.

It continues to try and push through unfavorable conditions as it moves quickly west. The NHC has lowered the chance of further development to 20% over the net 2 and 7 day periods. Locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds will impact the Windward islands tomorrow and Monday as it passes by. Conditions in the central Caribbean are expected to be unfavorable for any additional development.

We will continue to bring you more updates on what’s happening in the tropics as they unfold.