Possible impacts on Tampa: The stormis expected to make landfall Wednesday over the northern Florida Gulf Coast, forecasters said. Tampa city officials are urging residents to be prepared and stay inside.
Elsa has strengthened again and is once again a hurricane, according to the 8 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Elsa continues to move to the north at 14 mph, parallel to the west coast of Florida, and will make landfall Wednesday morning in the Big Bend region.
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Florida governor says 7 counties under hurricane warning and 33 counties under state of emergency
From CNN's Maria Cartaya
State of Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Tuesday to provide updates on the state’s preparations for Tropical Storm Elsa.
“Earlier today, the National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for a portion of the west coast of Florida to reflect the increased strength,” DeSantis said.
“Hurricane warnings are in place for the following seven counties: Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas,” DeSantis said.
“There are tropical storm warnings in place for 28 other counties,” the governor added.
DeSantis said a tornado watch for South Florida is in place until 11 p.m. ET Tuesday night.
“The total counties under state of emergency are now at 33,” DeSantis added.
DeSantis said there are about 1,500 customers across the state experiencing power outages.
“We’ve got between all the various utilities more than 7,000 restoration personnel prepared to respond to these outages,” the governor said.
DeSantis reminded residents of the importance of having weather alerts turned on.
“We’re anticipating a landfall probably between 8 a.m. ET and 9 a.m. ET tomorrow, somewhere again on the nature coast or big bend part of Florida,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis asked residents to heed warnings from local officials.
“There have not been any widespread evacuation orders,” the governor said.
DeSantis said officials don’t anticipate major changes to the track of the storm, but they’ll continue to work with the National Hurricane Center and share updates.
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New forecast: Elsa still close to hurricane strength and is expected to become a hurricane tonight
From CNN's Dave Hennen
Tropical Storm Elsa brings a downpour of rain over the neighborhood of Paradise Island on Treasure Island, Florida, on Tuesday afternoon, July 6.
Marc Topkin/Tampa Bay Times/AP
Elsa continues to have maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, according to the new 5 p.m. EDT advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
The hurricane and storm surge warning remain in effect for portions of Florida’s west coast, including Tampa.
Strong winds, heavy rain, storm surge and possible tornadoes will continue to impact much of southwest Florida this evening, spreading farther north towards places like Tampa and Sarasota later tonight into Wednesday morning, as the center of the storm continues to parallel the coast.
Landfall is expected tomorrow morning north of Tampa as the storm begins to track northeast.
The storm will weaken once it moves inland, but will likely bring tropical storm conditions to portions of Georgia and the Carolinas where a new tropical storm warning has been issued.
By Friday morning the center of Elsa will move into the Atlantic where it could strengthen again and bring heavy rain and strong winds to coastal sections of the Mid-Atlantic and New England.
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Here's what you need to prepare as Tropical Storm Elsa gets closer to making landfall
From CNN's Doug Criss and Christina Maxouris
Officials say Tropical Storm Elsa could make landfall tomorrow at “near hurricane strength.” There are many steps you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property.
Here are just some things you will want to have on hand as the storm approaches:
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Flashlight and extra batteries
A week-long supply of prescription medicines
Non-perishable or canned foods
Water
Cell phones and chargers
Cash
Rain gear and sturdy shoes
You should also stay inside and make sure your windows and doors and secure. Keep an eye on emergency weather alerts and forecasts for the latest information on the path of the storm. The Red Cross emergency app is also helpful.
Make sure you get ID tags for your pets and tie down and secure any outside items like lawn chairs.
You should also know where emergency shelters are located. If your area issues an evacuation, take it seriously and leave for your own safety.
Florida officials said on Tuesday that if an area calls for an evacuation, they will open shelters as-needed, especially for people with special needs.
You can download a full checklist of what you will need in a hurricane here.
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Florida National Guard starts preparations for Tropical Storm Elsa
From CNN’s Sara Weisfeldt and Rebekah Riess.
The Florida National Guard has started preparations in anticipation of Tropical Storm Elsa, activating 60 guardsmen to serve at the State Emergency Operations Center and the State Logistics Readiness Center, according to a release from the Guard.
According to the release, with approximately 12,000 soldiers and airmen assigned, the Florida National Guard can activate personnel as needed and directed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“We are well-equipped with assets including high-wheeled vehicles, helicopters, boats and generators, and are preparing for possible missions to include humanitarian assistance, security operations, search and rescue, aviation, and more,” the release said.
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State of emergency expanded to include several more counties ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa
From CNN’s Rebekah Riess and Devon Sayers
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order, expanding the state of emergency to include Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, and Union counties ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa.
Additionally, the executive order removes the state of emergency from Franklin County.
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Tampa mayor to residents ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa: "Please stay home this evening"
From CNN's Hayley Simonson and Maria Cartaya
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and city safety officials gave a news conference Tuesday in preparation for Tropical Storm Elsa.
“As it looks right now, this is going to remain a tropical storm,” Castor said.
“Right now, what we’re looking at is the storm surge, which is predicted to be three to five feet and then winds as well. Winds can always be an issue, but it doesn’t, at this time, look as if it will go to hurricane strength,” the mayor added.
Castor urged residents to be prepared and exercise common sense.
“We’re going to have some branches down, and we know what that means. That means some power outages,” the mayor said.
Chief Barbara Tripp of the Tampa Police Department assured residents that senior city staff will “be here to make sure things go smoothly.”
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Busch Gardens in Tampa will close in anticipation of Tropical Storm Elsa's impact
From CNN’s Rebekah Riess
Due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Elsa, Tampa Bay theme park Busch Gardens will close at 4:00 p.m. today, “to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals,” according to the park’s website.
At this time, the park is expected to reopen at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
See the park’s tweet:
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Florida's Manatee County urges residents to prepare for Elsa and secure their homes
From CNN’s Camille Furst
Florida’s Manatee County is preparing for Tropical Storm Elsa to hit its region.
Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that the county could “have almost borderline terms of a hurricane.”
Although Elsa remains classified as a tropical storm with winds of 60 miles per hour, Buchanan said, “They’re talking about potentially 75 mile-an-hour winds.” Earlier today, the National Hurricane Center said Tropical Storm Elsa was “nearing hurricane strength.”
Officials urged county residents to prepare for the storm.
County Administrator Scott Hopes said, “Please finalize your plans and secure your homes and get ready to sort of bunker down and ride out this storm.”
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One more major Florida airport announces closure ahead of potential Elsa impacts
From CNN’s Rebekah Riess.
Due to the latest forecast of Tropical Storm Elsa, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will close at 6:30 p.m. ET today, after the last commercial arrival scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET, according to the airport’s website.
The airport expects to resume operations tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. ET. Travelers are asked to check their airline for updates on their flight status.
As CNN previously reported, Tampa International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers announced their closures earlier Tuesday ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa.
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How to care for your pets if you are forced to evacuate
From CNN's Christopher Dawson and Alyssa Kraus
Parts of Florida and other southeastern states are bracing for heavy rain, strong winds, potential tornadoes and possible power outages as Tropical Storm Elsa continues to inch up the Gulf Coast.
Florida officials have warned residents they may need to evacuate their homes if local officials give the orders. While residents prepare for potential evacuation instructions from their local officials, it is important to also consider pet safety.
Here’s everything you need to know about evacuating a hurricane with pets:
Before you evacuate:
Visit your veterinarian to obtain copies of your pet’s records and proof of vaccinations. If your pet requires medication, get a two or three week supply to ensure they will be covered. You may also consider enrolling your pet in a recovery database and having your pet microchipped. Other things to consider include providing a collar with a rabies vaccination tag and an ID tag with your contact information.
Create an emergency kit for your pet with three to seven days of canned or dry food, enough water for a week, leashes, collars and a sturdy carrier, as recommended by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. You may also want to pack familiar items such as favorite toys and bedding to help reduce stress for your pet.
When you evacuate:
Find a pet-friendly boarding place, as many evacuation shelters will not allow pets, or consider a place that will take both you and your pet: Hotels are not required to accept pets during hurricane evacuations. However, websites like BringFido.com, GoPetFriendly.com and PetsWelcome.com can help you find a place that will take both you and your pets.
If you are forced to leave your pet:
Don’t confine them to a room or tie them up. If they are confined, they are not able to access high ground to remain safe. In addition, leave them plenty of food and water and leave a note outside of the house to alert others that there are pets inside.
Make it as easy as possible for them to survive the storm. Many large animals and livestock may not be able to evacuate. This link has preparation guides that can help them make it through the storm.
Read more about providing for your pets during a hurricane here.
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Elsa is "nearing hurricane strength," National Hurricane Center says
Tropical Storm Elsa is “nearing hurricane strength” as it continues to travel parallel to Florida’s Gulf Coast, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.
A hurricane warning has now been issued for parts of the Gulf Coast, including the Tampa area.
Here’s a look at the latest predicted path for Elsa:
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Tornado watch in effect for more than 12 million people in southern Florida as Elsa nears coast
From CNN’s Jackson Dill
A tornado watch is in effect for more than 12 million people in southern Florida until 11 p.m. ET tonight.
This includes Tampa, Fort Myers, Miami, Surfside, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. A watch means tornadoes are possible over a period of several hours.
Tropical Storm Elsa is moving northward, parallel to the west coast of Florida and is responsible for this tornado threat.
The latest forecast from the Storm Prediction Center has a level 2 of 5 risk for severe weather, with the primary threat of isolated tornadoes. This risk level encompasses most of the Florida Peninsula and now includes Miami and Surfside.
The best risk for any tornadic storms will be between now and this evening in southern Florida while the threat is greatest tonight in central Florida.
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South Carolina warns residents of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa
From CNN's Elise Hammond
South Carolina is bracing for any potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center are predicting parts of the state’s coast could experience gusty winds, rain, isolated tornadoes and flash flooding, according to a statement from Gov. Henry McMaster’s office. A storm surge of 1 to 2 feet is also possible in some areas, officials say.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division said it is coordinating with other state agencies to respond to the storm.
State officials say that if your area has a potential for flash flooding, move to higher ground – don’t wait to be told to move.
The governor also said people should not try to walk through moving water or drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, get out and move to higher ground.
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Tampa area closes county facilities ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa
Hillsborough County, Florida, will close its county facilities at 2 p.m. ET today as Tropical Storm Elsa continues to inch up the Gulf Coast. They will remain closed until at least noon tomorrow, the county said.
Hillsborough County includes the city of Tampa. Earlier today, Tampa International Airport announced commercial flights would stop at 5 p.m. ET ahead of the storm.
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This is what Tropical Storm Elsa looks like from space
From CNN's Alyssa Kraus
As Tropical Storm Elsa makes its way toward Florida, parts of the state’s Gulf Coast have issued hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings.
Florida residents are now bracing for heavy rainfall, strong winds and potential power outages. In addition, two major airports — Tampa International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport — have announced closures ahead of the storm’s impact.
On Sunday, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur shared photos of Tropical Storm Elsa from space on Twitter. The photos, taken from the International Space Station, show the storm brewing from above.
Take a look:
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A second major airport announces closures ahead of potential Elsa impacts
From CNN’s Daniel Shepherd and Gregory Lemos
A second major Florida airport announced closures Tuesday ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa.
According to a statement on the Southwest Florida International Airport’s website, “there will be flights cancelled this afternoon.” RSW is located in Fort Meyers, Florida.
According to Victoria Moreland, chief communications officer for Southwest Florida International Airport, RSW is currently open with planes “still coming and going” and limited impact to operations.
Moreland said there are 14 airline carriers at RSW. American and Southwest are planning to begin some limited pre-planned cancellations around noon. Moreland said there other 12 carriers that have not announced any cancellations but noted “all things are fluid.”
Moreland said that while more extensive impacts to airport operations are expected in the afternoon and cancellations are possible, the airport is deferring to the individual carriers to make determinations on operations.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport announced Tuesday they have no plans to close their airport.
“The airport is not expect to close during the storm; however, you should check with your airlines directly for any flight status or changes,” the airport’s website says.
As CNN previously reported, Tampa International Airport announced earlier Tuesday it will suspend commercial operations at 5:00 pm ET, according to a statement on its website
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Hurricane watch now covers over 4 million people, including Tampa
From CNN's Dave Hennen
As Tropical Storm Elsa continues to track toward the west coast of Florida, the number of people under a hurricane watch has increased to more than 4 million people, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The hurricane watch, extending from Egmont Key to the Steinhatchee River, was expanded a bit east and now includes the city of Tampa. Other locations in the watch area include St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The watch could be upgraded to a warning later today if Elsa strengthens before landfall.
A storm surge warning is also in effect for over 6 million people, and it includes a wider area from near Fort Myers north to Florida’s Big Bend.
Cities like Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Tampa and St. Petersburg are included in this warning.
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North Carolina emergency officials tracking possible heavy rain and flooding from Elsa
From CNN's Elise Hammond
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said emergency officials are monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa and its potential impacts of rain and flooding in the eastern and central parts of the state.
In a statement, Cooper urged people to pay attention to the forecast in their area and warned about the dangers of driving through high water.
Some areas of the state could see up to 5 inches of rain Wednesday night into Thursday, but the storm is expected to be moving pretty quickly, “which should limit the threat of prolonged heavy rainfall,” the statement said.
Other threats include gusty winds and isolated tornadoes Wednesday to Thursday, and strong winds could lead to dangerous rip currents and “hazardous marine conditions.”
More emergency information including traffic, power outages and where to find shelters will be posted at ReadyNC.org.
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Officials are warning about power outages during the storm. Here's what to know to stay safe.
From CNN's Hollie Silverman
Florida officials said on Tuesday that people should be prepared to be without power for a few days as Tropical Storm Elsa creeps closer to hitting the coast. As many people turn to generators for power, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning presents another threat.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no odor, color or taste. Although you can’t see or smell it, it can be extremely dangerous to your health and possibly even fatal.
How you will feel: If you’re suffering from CO poisoning you could experience flu-like symptoms such as headache, dizziness or weakness. Breathing in a lot of CO can cause you to lose consciousness and people who are sleeping can die before they even suffer any other symptoms, according to the CDC.
What you should know while using generators: Portable generators should never be used indoors. This includes use inside a garage, carport, basement, crawl space, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even those with ventilation.
Health officials warn that CO can build up if even windows and doors are open. You should keep it outside about 20 feet away from your home, the CDC advises.
Here’s what you can do to prepare for outages:
Before the storm, make sure you have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.
Keep a hurricane lamp.
Stock up on non-perishable food and water for all members of your family, including pets.
Unplug all small appliances and turn off propane tanks
