Tropical Storm watches lifted as Philippe moves away from South Florida

Tropical Storm Philippe accelerated away from Florida Sunday morning as it continued to dump heavy rain on the northwestern Bahamas.

The National Hurricane Center said as of 8 a.m., the poorly organized storm is moving northeast at 32 mph. A rapid motion toward the northeast is expected Sunday through Monday.

Tropical storm warnings were lifted as the system moved away from South Florida early Sunday, making way for drier weather and a cold front.

The center of Philippe is expected to move across the northwestern Bahamas Sunday morning.

Philippe's maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph, with higher gusts.

Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. However, Philippe is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone by Sunday night.

This story was originally published October 29, 2017 at 6:46 AM with the headline "Tropical Storm watches lifted as Philippe moves away from South Florida."