by Omar Gonzalez
Tropical storm Elsa is on the verge of crossing over Cuba and into the Florida Straits this evening. Elsa has slowed down and is passing between the Cayman Islands and Cuba moving northwest at 14 mph with sustained winds at 65 mph. Elsa is struggling, constantly being torn apart by the low-level and mid-level steering flows of the atmosphere. The Mid-level center and surface center of circulation are constantly becoming disjointed. More weakening is expected as she crosses over Cuba today
Emerging from the Cuban coast tonight, Tropical storm Elsa could slightly see some re-strengthening as she moves parallel to the west coast of Florida before making landfall into the central west coast of the peninsula sometime Wednesday afternoon, likely the Big Bend region.
It’ll move over our west coast relatively quick overnight on Tuesday. Wednesday morning, it’ll be to our north- northwest, with the worst of it moving along. Squally weather such as heavy rain, gusty winds, and flash floods are possible. The isolated chance for a tornado will also be present.
Please consult the National Hurricane Weather Center and your local weather office for the best information for where you are.