SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico–Tropical Storm Chantal’s current projected path still points the storm away from the Gulf of Mexico and forecasters now believe there are several factors that will likely weaken the storm before it gets to close to the mainland.
Tropical storm warnings were in effect for Puerto Rico and other islands directly in its path. It’s that landfall which may contribute to a downgrade.
Right now winds are at 45 mph and at its current speed of 26 mph it could reach Florida by Friday night. It is expected to take a northwesterly turn, avoiding the Gulf and Mississippi and taking a path up the eastern seaboard.
