Hurricane Elsa Local Statement Advisory Number 28
National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL052021
1138 PM EDT Tue Jul 6 2021
This product covers East Central Florida
**ELSA MOVING NORTHWARD JUST OFFSHORE THE TAMPA BAY AREA**
**TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUES FOR LAKE COUNTY**
**TORNADO WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FOR LAKE, VOLUSIA, SEMINOLE, ORANGE,
OSCEOLA AND OKEECHOBEE COUNTIES UNTIL 8 AM**
**FLOOD WATCH FOR LAKE, VOLUSIA, SEMINOLE AND ORANGE COUNTIES**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Northern Lake and
Southern Lake
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 130 miles southwest of Leesburg FL
- 27.3N 83.2W
- Storm Intensity 75 mph
- Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Impacts from Hurricane Elsa will increase in coverage and intensity
across east-central Florida overnight as outer rain bands spread
northeast from western Florida and across east central Florida tonight
through early Wednesday morning. Elsa will continue to moving north,
and parallel to the Florida Gulf Coast, before making landfall near
Cedar Key Wednesday morning.
Wind gusts to tropical storm are expected in rain bands and squalls,
and may reach 50 to 60 mph in the most intense squalls.
A Tornado Watch is now in effect for Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange,
Osceola and Okeechobee Counties until 8 AM. Conditions will continue
to become more favorable for tornadoes in Elsa's outer rain bands
overnight through early Wednesday morning, mainly across the interior
counties, and inland areas of Volusia County.
A Flood Watch continues for Lake, Seminole, Orange and inland Volusia
Counties. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected in the watch
area, with isolated amounts to 6 inches possible. Outside of the watch
area, additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected, with local
amounts up to 4 inches. The highest totals are likely over and adjacent
to Lake County.
A Tropical Storm Watch continues for Lake County. This is where the
highest potential exists for sustained winds near tropical storm force,
up to 40 mph, mainly across the northwest portion of the county near
Leesburg, Lady Lake and The Villages. Strong wind gusts above tropical
storm force are most likely across this area as well.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are unfolding across East Central
Florida, especially over Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and
Okeechobee Counties, where a Tornado Watch is in effect.
Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having
possible significant impacts.
If realized, these impacts include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are unfolding across across
east-central Florida, particularly Lake, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia
Counties, where a Flood Watch remains in effect. Remain well guarded
against flood waters having possible significant impacts.
If realized, these impacts include:
- Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and
ditches overflow.
- Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.
* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event will unfold, mainly across
Lake County. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible
impacts.
If realized, these impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a
battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.
During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your
shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best
foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.
Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose
power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and
check-ins.
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.
If a flood warning is issued for your area, be prepared to take action
to mitigate rising water near your property. Never drive into flooded
areas!
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Melbourne FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.