Hurricane Sandy update: Sandy downgrades to a category 1 storm; winds come down to 90 mph

Maximum sustained winds of 90 mph with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast over the next 48 hours. Sandy is expected to grow larger in size over the next few days.

A tropical storm warning is still in effect for Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.

JOIN US FOR A LIVE WEB CHAT ON HURRICANE SANDY WITH A STORM TEAM 5 METEOROLOGIST AT 4:30 P.M.  CLICK HERE AND MAKE SURE TO BOOK MARK THE LINK (Mobile link: http://bit.ly/P2LFzC)

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

Sandy is expected to remain a hurricane as it moves through the Bahamas.

Although it is very unlikely that Sandy will make landfall in Florida, this storm will likely pass close enough to generate some unfavorable conditions for the end of the work week.

On the current track, Sandy will be the toughest on us tonight through late Friday/early Saturday morning.

What you can expect:

At this point in time it appears this will mainly be a wind and marine event, with at least Tropical Storm Force wind gusts, and huge seas in the 15-25 feet range.

Rainfall of one to three inches is possible along the coast, but the flooding potential is low.

The degree of impact on our area will large depend on whether Sandy travels on the east or west side of the error cone. The most likely scenario brings rain bands through Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast that will contain some periods of very heavy rain and very strong winds.

Sustained winds for our entire area will increase and become quite gusty even without passing rain bands. Additionally, boating and beach conditions will be very dangerous. Waves will be quite high and rip currents will be prevalent. Some beach erosion can be expected.