11 p.m. Update: Isaac churns toward Haiti

Updated with 11 p.m.. EDT update from National Hurricane Center.

The forecast track for Tropical Storm Isaac continues to drift westward -- away from Florida -- although most of the state will feel its effects next week.

The latest projection, issued at 11 p.m. Thursday,  Isaac was located about 145 miles southeast of the Dominican Republic and moving toward the west-northwest at 18 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 45 mph with higher gusts.

The center of the storm is approaching the south coast of the Dominican Republic and should reach Haiti on Friday, and Cuba Friday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is still forecast during the next 48 hours, and could become a hurricane Friday.

It covers a large area, with tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles, mainly to the northeast of the center.