A tropical depression whirling Saturday in the Atlantic Ocean south of Cuba is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm 18 later in the day.
Raleigh, N. C. — Tropical Storm Philippe formed over Cuba on Saturday as it continues to move northward toward south Florida.
The National Hurricane Center predicted its track will keep it away from North Carolina.
A tropical storm warning was issued for several Cuban islands and the northwestern Bahamas, and a tropical storm watch was in effect for the central Bahamas.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for portions of southeastern Florida, the Upper Florida Keys and the central Bahamas.
The forecast track shows the system clipping the southern tip of Florida before heading out to sea on Sunday and Monday between the North Carolina coast and Bermuda.
