Tropical Storm Florence Nudges RI Sunday, But Track Shifting

It appears to be getting more likely that Southern New England will avoid a direct hit from Tropical Storm Florence. But Sunday we'll start to feel some of the impacts of the soon-to-be major hurricane.

The National Weather Service Boston is warning that the "very first [southeastern] swells from distant Florence are expected to arrive Sunday. These swells should only increase as week progresses."

The NWS is issuing a high surf advisory for the southern portion of Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts. A coastal flood statement is making its way up the rest of the coast. That means watch out for strong rip currents and massive waves, particularly for "south-facing, ocean-exposed beaches."

In August, a Massachusetts couple died after getting caught in a rip current off Hampton Beach.

Florence is expected to become a major hurricane next week, but Saturday's latest forecast has the storm most heavily impacting the southeastern part of the country. While the entire East Coast should keep an eye on the forecast, the primary point of impact could be between Florida and North Carolina, the National Hurricane Center said.

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