Tropical Storm Henri is forecast to form today and circle around the island of Bermuda, prompting authorities there to maintain a Tropical Storm Watch.

Currently identified as Tropical Depression #8, the new tropical cyclone which formed yesterday is expected to strengthen to a tropical storm later today. For now, the system is located about 140 miles southeast of Bermuda, has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, and is moving to the south at 9 mph.




The Bermuda Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the island.  A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

While the system is moving to the south now, the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida expects the storm to make a slow clockwise turn toward the southwest and then toward the west over the next few days. On such a track, the center will remain away from the island of Bermuda. However, outer bands from the system are expected to lash the island with gusty showers from time to time in the coming days.

After passing somewhere between the New Jersey shore and Bermuda this weekend, the system is forecast by computer guidance to head north and east out to sea, sparing the U.S. and Canadian east coast from any direct impacts.