Tropics update: Hurricane Elsa strengthens | View forecast track

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Here’s the latest from the KHOU 11 Weather Team and the National Hurricane Center.

HOUSTON — The National Hurricane Center says Elsa has strengthened into a hurricane.

As of Friday at 1 P.M., Elsa had a sustained wind of 85 mph. It’s moving to the west-northwest at 29 miles per hour.

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The hurricane is not expected to be a problem for Texas, but the Caribbean and Florida are watching the forecast path closely. KHOU 11 Meteorologist Tim Pandajis explained how it’s now a weak Category 1 hurricane, but could slightly strengthen before weakening again.

National Hurricane Center key messaging — 10 a.m. Friday

1. Hurricane conditions are expected in the Hurricane Warning area in the Windward Islands for the next few hours. Tropical storm conditions are expected in other portions of the Winward and Leeward Islands. Hurricane conditions are expected in the Hurricane Warning area in Haiti on Saturday. Tropical Storm conditions are expected with hurricane conditions possible along the southern coast of the Dominican Republic and in Jamaica.

2. Heavy Rainfall from Elsa will move quickly across the Windward and southern Leeward Islands today, including Barbados. Outer rain bands will impact Puerto Rico late today into Saturday, and southern Hispaniola and Jamaica Saturday into Sunday.  Flooding and mudslides are possible.

3. There is an increasing risk of strong winds, storm surge and rainfall impacts in portions of Cuba this weekend and early next week with impacts also possible in the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas. Interests in these areas should monitor Elsa’s progress and updates to the forecast.

4. There is a risk of storm surge, wind and rainfall impacts in the Florida Keys and portions of the Florida peninsula early next week. However, the forecast uncertainty remains larger than the usual due to Elsa’s potential interaction with the Greater Antilles this weekend. Interest in Florida should monitor Elsa’s progress and updates to the forecast.  

HURRICANE ELSA SPAGHETTI MODELS

HURRICANE ELSA FORECAST CONE

INTERACTIVE TROPICAL TRACKER

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