MIAMI - The tropics have suddenly come alive as the peak of the hurricane season approaches.

Tropical Storm Erika is no more. Despite its demise, remnant moisture will still be drawn northward into parts of the southeast U.S., including Florida.

Flash flood watches have been issued for much of central and southern Florida. The watches remain in effect into Monday. Gusty winds will accompany the showers and thunderstorms at times. And, there's a moderate or high risk of rip currents and dangerous boating conditions. Three to five inches of rain is possible over parts of Florida.

Attention is also turning eastward where Tropical Storm Fred formed in the Atlantic Ocean early Sunday.

Fred is expected to strengthen the next day or so and could be near hurricane status on Monday as it moves to the west-northwest. A hurricane warning has been issued for the Cape Verde Islands.

In the Pacific, the governor of Hawaii has declared a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Ignacio, which has become became a major hurricane. Forecasts are still uncertain, but current models predict the storm will pass just north of Hawaii’s Big Island Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service has advised that the storm has the ability to cause widespread damage across the state. (Source: The Weather Channel)

Story Date: August 31, 2015