As expected TS Patty weakened to a tropical depression, and is again stationary 265 miles east-northeast of the Central Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Patty will likely continue to weaken overnight as she becomes a post-tropical remnant low and dissipate completely by Sunday.

The big news this evening is the low pressure system, Invest 98L, in the Eastern Caribbean Sea which has intensified into Tropical Storm Rafael. TS Rafael is moving north-northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. Tropical storm warnings have been issued by the respective governments in the Lesser Antilles, and a tropical storm watch has been issued for the Puerto Rico.

The models show TS Rafael moving though the Eastern Caribbean Friday night, then moving towards the on Saturday.