Tropical Storm Humberto tries to organize near the Bahamas

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tropical Depression 9 strengthened Friday night into Tropical Storm Humberto.

The National Hurricane Center’s latest storm track keeps the storm offshore of Florida. Right now, Tropical Storm Humberto is over the southern Bahamas, but it’s moving northwest.

The National Hurricane Center says global weather models suggest the cyclone could even reach hurricane intensity at some point. But, by then, it’s expected to have shifted well over the Atlantic Ocean — southeast of the coast of the Carolinas.

The Friday night advisory from the National Hurricane Center took all of the Tampa Bay area out of the cone of uncertainty. 

RELATED: NOAA scientist: agency likely broke science integrity rules in chastising Alabama office

RELATED: NOAA criticized for defending Trump’s Hurricane Dorian claim

As of the latest advisory, the system was about 70 miles east of Great Abaco Island. It has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving northwest at 7 mph.

The tropical storm watch on the east coast of Florida has been discontinued.

The government of the Bahamas has issued a tropical storm warning for the following islands in the northwestern Bahamas the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island and New Providence.

10Weather Meteorologist Grant Gilmore says this particular disturbance could bring heavy rain and gusty winds to parts of the Bahamas. That could be a problem for parts of the islands affected by Hurricane Dorian.

►Stay informed with all tropical weather: Check out our must-have interactive Hurricane Headquarters guide here.

WATCH: 10News is your Hurricane Headquarters

FREE 10NEWS APP:

►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter