07/06/2021
Hurricane Local Statement issued July 06 at 5:โ11โAM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay
This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida **Elsa over the southeast Gulf of Mexico** NEW INFORMATION CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Sumter - A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Levy, Coastal Pasco, and Pinellas * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Levy, Inland Manatee, Inland Pasco, Inland Sarasota, and Sumter - A Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Levy, Coastal Pasco, and Pinellas - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Inland Charlotte and Inland Lee - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Coastal Charlotte, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Lee, Coastal Manatee, and Coastal Sarasota * STORM INFORMATION: - About 240 miles south of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL or about 180 miles south of Fort Myers FL 24.1N 82.4W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 12 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW Tropical Storm Elsa continues to threaten mainly coastal areas along the west coast of the Florida peninsula. Elsa is expected to track north over the eastern Gulf of Mexico just off the west coast of Florida today into tonight. This will bring a threat of tropical storm force winds, localized flash flooding, storm surge, hazardous marine conditions, and possibly a few tornadoes to portions of west central and southwest Florida.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS * WIND: Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across coastal areas along the west coast of Florida. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.
Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across inland areas. FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across west central and southwest Florida, with highest rainfall totals likely near and along the coast. Potential impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across west central and southwest Florida.
* SURGE: Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts along coastal areas of west central and southwest Florida. Potential impacts in this area include: Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
- Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages.
Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across west central and southwest Florida. TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across west central and southwest Florida. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the ex*****on 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 boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across west central and southwest Florida.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS EVACUATIONS: WATCH/WARNING PHASE - Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. 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 Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around NOON EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
