| https://www.weather.gov/srh/tropical https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/index_hls5+shtml/070935.shtml Tropical Storm Elsa Local Statement Advisory Number 29 National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL AL052021 525 AM EDT Wed Jul 7 2021 This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida **Tropical Storm Elsa continues northward offshore the west Florida coast** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Hurricane Warning has been cancelled and a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Coastal Hernando, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Pasco, and Pinellas - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Coastal Charlotte, Coastal Lee, Inland Charlotte, and Inland Lee * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Coastal Hernando, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Pasco, Coastal Sarasota, and Pinellas - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Coastal Citrus and Coastal Levy - A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Coastal Charlotte and Coastal Lee - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Levy, Inland Manatee, Inland Pasco, Inland Sarasota, and Sumter * STORM INFORMATION: - About 50 miles south-southwest of Cedar Key FL or about 80 miles northwest of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL - 28.5N 83.5W - Storm Intensity 65 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Elsa continues to threaten areas along the west coast of the Florida peninsula. Elsa is expected to track north over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and make landfall later today. This will bring a threat of tropical storm force winds, localized flash flooding, storm surge, hazardous marine conditions, and possibly a few tornadoes to portions of west central and southwest Florida. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across west central Florida. Remain well sheltered from life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Large areas with power and communications outages. Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding across west central Florida. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible limited to significant impacts. * SURGE: Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across west central and southwest Florida. Potential impacts in this area include: - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across west central and southwest Florida. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across west central and southwest Florida. Remain well guarded against life- threatening flood waters having possible extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across west central and southwest Florida. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible significant impacts. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across west central and southwest Florida. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across west central and southwest Florida. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear to return. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around NOON EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ |