Tropical Storm Eta prompts Hurricane Watches, Tropical Storm Warnings in SWFL

Published: Updated:

As of 10 p.m. Saturday, the National Hurricane Center has the center of Tropical Storm Eta moving through the Caribbean Sea with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm is located 335 miles south of Miami.

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Southwest Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from north of Bonita Beach to Englewood.

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical-storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the coast of southern Florida from Deerfield Beach to Bonita Beach, and for the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef to the Dry Tortugas, including Florida Bay.

A Hurricane Watch means hurricane-storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours.

The latest forecast track has the center moving over the Florida Straits by Sunday night. If this verifies, we would start feeling impacts in terms of wind and rain as soon as Sunday afternoon. While the worst weather will occur Sunday night into Monday while the storm crosses southern Florida, squally weather will likely linger into Thursday.

Tropical Storm Eta is forecast to make landfall in South Florida on Monday morning, with the center potentially crossing directly over the WINK viewing area during the day on Monday, before entering the Gulf of Mexico Monday night.

With Eta expected to pass very close to SW Florida, direct impacts can be expected. The main threats are flooding rain & sporadic power outages, with the worst weather occurring Sunday night into Monday.

In terms of rainfall totals, we’re expecting widespread totals of 2-4 inches of rain across Southwest Florida, with isolated amounts as high as 6″ are possible. Localized street flooding is possible in low lying areas.

As far as wind is concerned, we’re calling for sustained winds of 30-50 MPH, gusting as high as 70 MPH. This can cause sporadic power outages, knock down trees & large branches, and blow around outdoor furniture & Christmas decorations. It wouldn’t be the worst idea to check your generator today.

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

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