It's a bit "blustery" out there today -- some of the bridges have been closed....this has been the longest hurricane season I've ever experienced .... good grief it's almost Turkey Day!!
LIVE COVERAGE: Eta downgraded to tropical storm, SWFL feeling the impacts A Tornado Warning for eastern Collier County and southern Hendry County was issued until 1:15 p.m and has since expired.
A Tornado Watch is in effect for Charlotte, Lee, Collier, and DeSoto counties in Southwest Florida. This remains in place today through 5 p.m.
As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, Eta was downgraded from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Right now, the center is approximately 115 miles southwest of Tampa.
Eta’s track has shifted significantly over the past 24 hours. The National Hurricane Center has the center of circulation nearing Crystal River by tomorrow morning.
What should we expect in Southwest Florida with this shift? Our impacts are increasing today and tomorrow with this change. Bands of heavy, fast-moving rain are the first thing you’ll notice, particularly for our northern and coastal areas.
Rain over the same exact spots will be the main concern, which will lead to localized flooding. Expect rainfall totals of 1 – 4″ with isolated amounts over 4 inches.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto, and Highlands counties through 1 p.m. Friday. Excessive rainfall in these areas may lead to flash flooding.
An Areal Flood Watch is also in place for Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties through 7 p.m. tonight. If you live in a low lying area, be especially careful if you have to leave your home. Please do not drive through flooded roads.
Locally, you should also expect a very windy day of weather. Sustained wind will increase 15 – 25 inland, 25 – 35 near the coast.
The highest wind gusts will peak between 45 – 65 mph along our coastline.
The combination of water level rise and high tide will allow storm surge to peak at 3 to 5 feet from the Anclote River to Boca Grande, including Tampa Bay.
We’ll also experience 2 to 4 feet from Boca Grande to Bonita Beach, including Charlotte Harbor, the Steinhatchee River to the Anclote River.
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Bonita Beach to the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.......
https://www.winknews.com/2020/11/11/tropical-storm-eta-strengthens-in-the-gulf-local-impacts-expected-through-thursday/
