CURRENT SITUATION
Tropical Storm Elsa is located approximately 155 miles south-southwest of Tampa moving north at 10 mph with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Elsa is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall along the Nature Coast. Sustained winds of 60-75 mph with gusts of 75-80 mph are possible.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for coastal Hernando County at this time. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions (74+ mph winds) are possible within 12 – 24 hours.
A Storm Surge Warning is also in effect for coastal Hernando County at this time. A Storm Surge Warning means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline within 12 – 24 hours. 3 – 5 feet of storm surge is forecast a times of high tide throughout the day on Wednesday.
A Flood Watch is in effect for Hernando County. Coastal flooding is possible Tuesday night and throughout the day on Wednesday. 3 – 5 inches of rain is possible over the next 3 days with localized totals of 6 – 8 inches.
There is an increased risk of isolated tornadoes in the early morning hours on Wednesday. Ensure that you have a method for receiving official warning notifications.
VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS
SHELTER INFORMATION
A general population, special needs and pet-friendly shelter is open as of this morning for residents in these zones at the location listed below. Visit https://bit.ly/2JYEKGN to find the location of your evacuation zone.
800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601
Tips for shelter residents
- Bring identification
- Bring air mattress or sleeping bag, cots will not be provided for general population
- Bring medicines, blanket/sheet, snacks, water and personal hygiene products
- Make every effort to carpool due to limited parking
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
• Register for automated severe weather notifications at http://www.AlertHernando.org
• Residents are encouraged to monitor to local media outlets or the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/tbw/ for current weather information.
- Know your home, know your zone. Learn more at https://bit.ly/34vtLBV
- Residents living along the river and in low-lying, flood prone areas are urged to closely monitor river levels and take precautions as needed to protect life and property. Be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary.
- Monitor river gauges at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=tbw
- Do not drive through standing water. Turn around, don’t drown.
• Report power outages to:
o Duke – (800) 228-8485
o Withlacoochee River Electric – (352) 596-4000, option 2
