Elsa strengthens into a hurricane

Elsa has strengthened into a hurricane just southwest of Tampa Bay. As of the 8 o’clock advisory, Elsa has sustained winds of 75 mph and wind gusts up to 85 mph. It has picked up speed and is moving north at 14 mph. 

Elsa looks to make landfall Wednesday along the west coast of Florida and then will track across the Carolinas Wednesday into Thursday. As it tracks across the Carolinas, it will bring rain our way and that looks to be the biggest impact for our area. 

The heaviest rain looks to fall across our southeastern counties. That’s also where we will have the highest totals. Don’t pay attention to the exact numbers. This is all track-dependent. Rather, keep in mind that the highest rainfall totals will be across our southern and southeastern counties. Upwards of 2″ of rain is likely south with lesser totals farther northwest. When it’s all said and done, we should see anywhere from about 0.5″ – 2″ of rain across the area. 

While localized flooding is certainly possible, the risk of flash flooding is low and looks to be contained across our southern and southeastern counties Wednesday and Thursday. 

The good news is the wind will not a big issue for us. While it will breezy at times across our southern and southeastern counties, the chance of tropical-storm-force wind is very low. 

Stick with the First Warn Storm Team for the latest on Elsa and its impact on the Carolinas.