Despite Tropical Storm Fred continuing to battle wind shear, hurricane hunters are finding Fred is intensifying Monday morning. As of 8:30 am, maximum sustained winds were increased to 60 mph as Fred moves north at 10 mph.

Fred is expected to make landfall along the Florida Panhandle between Destin and Panama City Monday evening where tropical storm warnings and storm surge warnings are in effect. In addition to tropical storm force winds, flooding will likely be an issue there. 4-8” of rain are possible along the Big Bend and Panhandle with isolated spots getting as much as 12”of rain. A storm surge of 3-5 feet is also forecast as well as a risk of severe weather on the east side of the storm. Locally, higher than normal swells and an elevated risk for rip currents exists along area beaches today, especially towards the Nature Coast.

In addition to Fred, we’re also monitoring Tropical Depression Grace in the Caribbean as well as Tropical Depression Eight about 120 miles ESE of Bermuda in the Atlantic.

Eight is expected to strengthen to Tropical Storm Henri in the days ahead but should stay away from the United States.

Fred regenerated on Sunday morning and has been moving northward about 200 miles off the west coast of Florida today. It is far enough offshore that the worst weather has stayed out in the Gulf. Periods of mainly light to moderate rain will continue along Florida’s west coast through the night into Monday morning.

Fred is headed for a Northwest Florida landfall on Monday. As of 8pm Sunday, max sustained winds were at 45 mph and some slight strengthening is forecast up until it comes ashore. Heavy rain will be the biggest threat for much of the Panhandle with widespread 4-8″ totals and isolated amounts up to a foot.

Minor storm surge is also possible along with tropical storm-force winds, especially at the immediate coastline. A tropical storm warning is in effect from Navarre to the Wakulla-Jefferson Co. line.

Tropical Storm Grace is bringing heavy rain to Puerto Rico and the island of Hispanola – areas that received heavy rain from Fred a few days. Not to mention, Haiti is still dealing with aftermath of the massive earthquake that struck recently. The storm will struggle with land interaction in the days to come. We’ll see how it navigates the islands, but majority of model guidance is currently not very bullish on future strengthening.