Eye on the Tropics: TS Fiona to become hurricane, warning issued for Puerto Rico

This browser does not support the video element.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical storm Fiona is expected to become a hurricane Sunday, the National Weather Center said.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The NWC issued a hurricane warning for Puerto Rico, with heavy rain and winds.

WATCH: ‘Hurricane Maria: Power & Perseverance’

Tropical storm winds are also forecast to hit near the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands, where a hurricane watch is issued.

Read: Hurricane supply checklist: What should you include in your kit?

Meteorologist George Waldenberger said storm intensity holds at 60 mph for maximum sustained winds, but the system appears to be organizing further.

Tropical storm conditions are also possible in the Dominican Republic Sunday night.

Waldenberger said dangerous flooding and mudslides will be possible in Puerto Rico for the next couple of days.

He said hurricane conditions are expected over parts of Puerto Rico Sunday and possible for the US Virgin Islands Saturday evening.

Fiona is expected to strengthen further after passing Puerto Rico, passing near the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos, then passing well off the east coast of Florida.

But he said we should expect waves and rip currents at East Central Florida beaches to pick up by the end of next week.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.