Tropical Depression 9 Has Now Become Tropical Storm Isaac

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Tropical Depression 9 strengthened on Saturday and has now become Tropical Storm Isaac.

At 11:00 p.m., the center of Isaac was about 1580 miles east of the Windward Islands.

Isaac is moving toward the west near 8 mph.

A westward motion with an increase in forward speed is expected during the next few days.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph with higher gusts.

Additional strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and Isaac is expected to become a hurricane by Monday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center.

There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect.