Tropical Storm Elsa gains strength and hits Florida Keys

MIAMI – Conditions in southern Florida began to deteriorate as Tropical Storm Elsa gathered strength and targeted the Florida Keys on Tuesday morning, triggering a hurricane watch over parts of the state’s west coast .

At 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Elsa’s sustained maximum winds strengthened to 60 mph. Its core is about 55 miles west of Key West, and it is moving north-northwest at 12 mph.

The storm system complicates search efforts at the collapsed condo in Surfside and could be close to hurricane force before it makes landfall somewhere between Tampa Bay and Big Bend. Forecasters are also warning that it could push a storm surge through neighborhoods in Tampa Bay.

Local 10 News meteorologist Julie Durda said the system was very out of balance, but there was a lot of humidity on the eastern edge of the storm.

While we wouldn’t expect a direct hit from Elsa in Key West, Tuesday will be a very wet and soggy day for the Middle Keys and Lower Keys as Elsa continues on her way north.

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The effects of the outer bands in South Florida could lead to flooding, storm surges and tornado activity.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday extended the existing state of emergency to a dozen counties that span an area of ​​Florida where Elsa is expected to make a quick pass on Wednesday.

He held a press conference on Tuesday morning, warning Floridians not to focus too much on the cone as much of the effects will be felt outside of it.

Storm surges will be a concern for counties along the Gulf Coast, the governor says, and flash floods will also be a problem for parts of Florida’s west coast, which have experienced higher than average rainfall. habit over the past two weeks.

He said no widespread evacuation was expected in the state with this storm.

Below is a list of watches and warnings currently in effect:

Storm surge warning:

West Coast of Florida from Bonita Beach to the Aucilla River, including Tampa Bay

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Tropical Storm Warning:

The Cuban provinces of Matanzas, Mayabeque, Havana and Artemisa

The Florida Keys from Craig Key west to the Dry Tortugas

West coast of Florida from Flamingo north to the Ochlockonee River

Hurricane monitoring:

Egmont Key to the Steinhatchee River in Florida

Storm surge monitoring:

West of the Aucilla River to the Ochlockonee River in Florida.

STAY INFORMED