Ophelia targeted eastern Florida

Tropical Storm Ophelia was moving toward the northeastern Atlantic coast of Florida threatening to drench the state with up to 8 inches of rain in some areas

Ophelia intensified to a tropical storm early Wednesday, with maximum sustained winds of near 40 mph and higher gusts. It was moving north-northwest at near 8 mph and was expected to continue in that direction, slow down and possibly strengthen slightly within the next 24 hours.

Tropical storm warnings are posted from Sebastian Inlet, Florida, northward to Flagler Beach, Florida, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said. The warning means tropical storm conditions, including winds of at least 39 mph, are expected in the area within the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Nate -- which initially was forecast to pose no threat to land -- is now on track to pass near or just south of Bermuda later this week, forecasters predict.

"On the forecast track, Nate is forecast to pass near or just south of Bermuda Thursday night or Friday morning," said the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

The storm was expected to strengthen during the next 24 hours, and Nate could become a hurricane later Wednesday, CNN reports.