(NEXSTAR) – Tropical Storm Philippe, which drenched the Caribbean Wednesday, is on a path to potentially impact the northeastern U.S. later this week.
The storm is projected to reach northeastern states Saturday afternoon into evening, before moving into Canada on Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. outlook on Wednesday.
Story continues below video.
WATCH: Hurricane hunters fly into Tropical Storm Philippe as it moves toward Bermuda. (This video contains rapid flashing.)
If Philippe stays on track and hits New England, the primary concern would be heavy rain.
“Bringing all this tropical moisture – especially this late in the season – up into the Northeast, if this materializes and stays on track, it could be a big rainmaker,” Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, told FOX Weather in an interview.
With so many days between now and the storm’s potential landfall on the continental U.S., its path and strength are likely to change. “Interests in eastern New England and Atlantic Canada should monitor the progress of Philippe,” the Hurricane Center wrote.
Pinpoint Weather 12 Links
Detailed 7-Day Forecast | Weather Now | Radar | Hour-by-Hour | Ocean, Bay & Beach | Solar Report | Pinpoint Traffic | Flight Tracker | Active Weather Alerts | Closings & Delays | Power Outages | Get the Weather App
Before it reaches New England, it’s expected to impact Puerto Rico, dumping up to 4 inches of rain. A tropical storm warning was also issued for Bermuda, which is expected to feel the effects of Philippe late Thursday into Friday. as it was forecast to intensify slightly in the coming days.
“The intensity forecast remains murky,” the Hurricane Center said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.