Tropical storm and storm surge warnings issued for SWFL coast

Published: Updated:

As of the Monday 11 p.m. advisory, Elsa regains a bit of strength as it moves away from the island of Cuba. The maximum sustained wind is up to 60 mph.

Although Southwest Florida is not in the forecast cone, we will still experience impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa. Threats will be highest on Tuesday.

Elsa will enter the Florida Straits tonight. The National Hurricane Center agrees with the overwhelming model guidance that suggests Elsa will not re-strengthen into a hurricane once in the Gulf of Mexico.

The majority of the storm’s impacts on Southwest Florida will be heavy rain, gusty winds, storm surge, coastal flooding, high surf and a low risk of tornadoes.

Rainfall accumulation will be primarily between 1 – 4″ with isolated higher totals. Wind will gust near 45 – 65 mph near the coast with slightly lower gusts inland.

Coastal Charlotte and Lee counties could see a water level rise, especially at high tide, of 2 – 4 feet. Coastal Collier is expected to see less, 1 – 3 feet, due to being farther away from the storm.

With this storm surge potential, we could see local beach erosion as well as high surf. Wave heights will average at 8 – 11 feet nearshore with higher levels offshore.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach to the Aucilla River, including Tampa Bay.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for west of the Aucilla River to the Ochlockonee River.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Matanzas, Mayabeque, Havana and Artemisa. It’s also in effect for the Florida Keys from Craig Key westward to the Dry Tortugas along with the west coast of Florida from Flamingo northward to Ochlockonee River.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida.

Due to an already saturated ground and additional rainfall, coastal and street flooding is likely. A Flood Watch is in effect for Charlotte, Lee, Collier, DeSoto, and Highlands counties.

WINK News 2021 Hurricane Guide

COMPLETE HURRICANE COVERAGE: HURRICANE CENTRAL

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