Parts of SWFL under Tropical Storm Watch for Eta

Published: Updated:

With the 10 p.m. cone confirmed Friday, parts of Southwest Florida are under a Tropical Storm Watch for Tropical Depression Eta.

Collier, Hendry and Glades counties are all included in the Tropical Storm Watch.

A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours.

As of 10 p.m. Friday, the National Hurricane Center has the center of Tropical Depression Eta moving through the Caribbean Sea. Over these warm waters, the system is expected to regain strength and become a tropical storm again.

The latest forecast track has the center moving over the Florida Straits by Sunday evening. If this verifies, we would start feeling impacts in terms of wind and rain by Sunday afternoon and evening, and continuing through Monday and possibly early Tuesday.

Now that Eta is moving away from land, the new models coming in should begin to cluster together and show better agreement. Although things may still change, and we should expect them to shift slightly, Southwest Floridians should prepare for tropical storm force wind gusts starting late this weekend and through early next week.

We would also see more tropical downpours and cloudy skies. Right now, the American Model does show a closer proximity to Southwest Florida. Here’s a breakdown of what we could see locally with Eta:

In terms of rainfall totals, the American Model is showing anywhere from 1 – 3 inches for parts of our area. The European Model is similar with totals ranging from 1 – 3 inches. Keep in mind, these totals will likely adjust as the storm inches closer over the next few days.

The windiest day is expected Monday, where gusts of up to 50 mph will be possible.

Please keep in mind these models are subject to change still. Trust the Weather Authority to continue to update you!

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