ORLANDO, Fla. — Elsa made landfall Wednesday along Florida’s northern Gulf Coast. Read live updates below:
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11 p.m. update
‘Multiple injuries’ were reported at Kings Bay RV park after a tornado touched down, according to sister station Action News Jax.
8:30 p.m. update
Tropical Storm Elsa is over Southern Georgia, producing gusty winds along the Atlantic coast as well as very heavy rain, the National Hurricane Center tweeted.
Tropical Storm #Elsa Advisory 31A: Elsa Over Southern Georgia Producing Gusty Winds Along the Atlantic Coast and Very Heavy Rain. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 7, 2021
7 p.m. update
Tropical Storm Elsa weakened but still brought rain and wind to the Tampa Bay area.
See photos below:
5:30 p.m. update
As of 5 p.m., Tropical Storm Elsa has weakened again with 45 mph max winds and should weaken further to a tropical depression by tomorrow.
Channel 9 meteorologist George Waldenberger said as it moves into Georgia, the storm is still bringing flooding to north Florida and south Georgia and a tornado risk remains around Jacksonville.
Waldenberger said he is still watching a heavy rain threat for our northern zones of Central Florida.
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3:25 p.m. update
The city of North Port in Sarasota County said water levels have receded since Tropical Storm Elsa dropped up to a foot of rain in the city causing some streets to flood.
City officials said there were no reports of damage to any homes or structures.
Photos from today, July 7, 2021. pic.twitter.com/YwQsQvyUft
— North Port, Florida (@CityofNorthPort) July 7, 2021
2 p.m. update
Tropical Storm Elsa continues to weaken as of 2 p.m. with max winds now down to 50 mph as it moves over north Florida toward the Georgia state line.
Channel 9 meteorologist George Waldenberger said trailing bands of rain will continue to bring us a risk of isolated heavy rain in spots for the rest of the day.
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Marion County has recently been added to a large flood warning in the wake of Elsa that extends from the Tampa area all the way up into south Georgia.
Tropical Storm Elsa is weakening over N. Florida, max winds down to 50mph. As it moves northward, trailing bands still set up a few spots of heavy rain in Central Florida, still monitoring an isolated flood risk. pic.twitter.com/stYDvBptL3
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) July 7, 2021
Behind Elsa, many Florida counties are under flood warnings, Marion County is one of the counties under a flood warning. Still watching more trailing rain move through. pic.twitter.com/FOIgj1lCUq
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) July 7, 2021
11 a.m. update
Tropical Storm Elsa is making landfall in Taylor County as it moves along the north Florida Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center said.
The storm’s winds remain near 65 mph.
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11am update: Elsa is making landfall right now in Taylor County, just south of Perry as a tropical storm with max winds of 65mph. A turn to the NE is expected today as Elsa weakens while moving into south Georgia. pic.twitter.com/L4aaZb6fJ7
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) July 7, 2021
Elsa is forecast to move inland into Florida this afternoon.
Weather officials said the storm should then move across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States through Thursday.
Meteorologists believe Elsa will begin to weaken once it moves further inland.
As of 11am, Elsa is making landfall in Taylor County as a tropical storm with max winds still listed at 65mph. pic.twitter.com/mqgwBi5rOG
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) July 7, 2021
9:30 a.m. update
Channel 9 reporter Q McCray said the rain has been on and off in Dunnellon.
He said police offers are making their rounds to make sure residents are alright.
So far, there is no damage reported in the area.
I’ve been in Dunnellon since 3a near the Marion-Citrus County line. The rain here has been off and on all morning, but nothing too serious. @Dunnellon_PD officers are making their rounds to make sure residents are alright. No damage to report at the moment. pic.twitter.com/rRuvHl5QeT
— Q McCray (@QMcCrayWFTV) July 7, 2021
8:30 a.m. update
Gov. Ron DeSantis: no reports of major damage or reports of any fatalities. Utility crews are on stand-by to respond to areas impacted by power outages mostly in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Polk County.
8:15 a.m. update
Gov. Ron DeSantis is preparing to give an update on Tropical Storm Elsa.
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8 a.m. update
Tropical Storm Elsa is approaching the northern Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center said.
Elsa is expected to make landfall along the north Florida Gulf coast by late Wednesday morning or Wednesday afternoon.
8am Elsa update: Moving north and slowly weakening. Cedar Key had a gust of 56mph about an hour ago. Impacts still felt here in Central Florida through early afternoon. pic.twitter.com/QmkXaa8boP
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) July 7, 2021
The storm’s winds remain near 65 mph, with higher gusts.
8am Elsa update: Moving north and slowly weakening. Cedar Key had a gust of 56mph about an hour ago. Impacts still felt here in Central Florida through early afternoon. pic.twitter.com/QmkXaa8boP
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) July 7, 2021
Forecasters said little change in strength is likely until the storm makes landfall.
The storm is forecast to weaken after it makes landfall later Wednesday.
Rain bands from Tropical Storm Elsa will continue to move northward across Central Florida.
7:10 a.m. update
Tropical Storm Elsa brought heavy rain to Leesburg early Wednesday.
Weather officials reported 1.58 inches or rain. The previous record was 1.54 inches, which was set in 1982.
The sun isn't even up yet, but Leesburg has a new rainfall record for today! 1.58" and counting! Previous record was 1.54" set in 1982.
— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) July 7, 2021
6:40 a.m. update
Channel 9 reporter Lauren Seabrook said there was no reports of wind damage or flooding in Lake County at this time.
A few power outages were reported.
The potential for a brief tornado is still possible until 8 a.m.
Wrapping up our 12 hour shift covering #Elsa for you from Lake County. Thankful to say there’s no reports of wind damage or flooding and few power outages at this time. The potential for a brief tornado spin up remains for a few more hours so stay tuned to @WFTV and stay safe! pic.twitter.com/ymRL81zPOg
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) July 7, 2021
6:15 a.m. update
Tropical storm-force winds were reported in Lake County. There were also reports of at least 30 mph gusts in western Orange County.
Tropical Storm force gusts in Lake County. 30+mph gusts in western Orange County. pic.twitter.com/85WEwjuyy0
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) July 7, 2021
In Marion County, officials said there are no reports of storm damage after tornado warnings were issued in the area early Wednesday.
No reports of storm damage in Marion County so far, according to a PIO. We will see what rolls in once the sun comes up. Not out of the woods yet either. @WFTV
— Nick Papantonis WFTV (@NPapantonisWFTV) July 7, 2021
5 a.m. update
Tropical Storm Elsa continues to move along Florida’s west coast.
The storm is forecast to move near or over portions of the west coast of Florida on Wednesday morning. It is expected to make landfall along the north Florida Gulf coast by late Wednesday morning or Wednesday afternoon.
The storm’s winds are nearing 65 mph.
5am Elsa update. Moving north. Tornado risk continues in Central Florida through the morning. Watch for ponding on roads and isolated areas of flooding in our western areas. pic.twitter.com/Re6PA5aTRe
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) July 7, 2021
The storm could fluctuate in intensity until it makes landfall, the National Hurricane Center said.
Elsa’s strongest rain band is moving through parts of Central Florida. The feeder band is bringing heavy rainfall and prompting some tornado warnings.
The wind is picking up in Lake County. We’ve had a few tropical storm gusts in the Tavares area while the tornado-warned part of the storm spins north of here. @WFTV pic.twitter.com/GocbH5kvcA
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) July 7, 2021
Tornado warnings were issued in Lake and Marion counties early Wednesday. All tornado warnings have expired at this time.
Elsa is forecast to weaken after it moves inland.
4:35 a.m. update
A tornado warning was issued in parts of Marion County. The warning includes parts of Micanopy, McIntosh and Orange Lake.
The warning is set to expire at 5 a.m.
Tornado Warning including Micanopy FL, McIntosh FL, Orange Lake FL until 5:00 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/UdO3jYPreE
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) July 7, 2021
4:20 a.m. update
A tornado warning was issued for parts of Lake County.
The warning includes areas in Taveres, Bassville Park and Sunnyside. The warning is set to expire at 4:45 a.m.
Tornado Warning including Tavares FL, Bassville Park FL, Sunnyside FL until 4:45 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/BJUcdMoC8T
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) July 7, 2021
4:10 a.m. update
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of Marion County, including Micanopy, Reddick and McIntosh.
The warning is set to expire at 4:30 a.m.
Tornado Warning including Micanopy FL, Reddick FL, McIntosh FL until 4:30 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/v30N9ozB7f
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) July 7, 2021
HEADS UP: Our tornado risk is increasing. Heavy bands of rain are moving into Marion, Lake, Sumter, and Polk. Next up: Orange & Seminole. ***Please stay aware*** We'll be live on Channel 9 all morning. pic.twitter.com/eAZDAoH6gx
— Brian Shields, WFTV (@BrianWFTV) July 7, 2021
3 a.m. update
A tornado watch is in effect for Sumter, Polk, Marion, Osceola, Lake, Seminole and Orange counties until 8 a.m.
“Isolated tornadoes will be our biggest risk this morning, once some of the bands from Elsa move in.” meteorologist Brian Shields said.
TORNADO WATCH until 8 AM for most of our area. Isolated tornadoes will be our biggest risk this morning, once some of the bands from Elsa move in. Our western zones are already seeing these gusty rain bands, and we'll monitor for any signs of rotation. See you on 9! pic.twitter.com/sHIPjvyzX0
— Brian Shields, WFTV (@BrianWFTV) July 7, 2021
Weather officials said conditions remain favorable for tornadoes in Elsa’s outer rain bands over the interior counties and far inland in Volusia County.
Some areas are already seeing gusty rain bands, Shields said.
A flood watch continues for Lake, Seminole, Orange and inland Volusia counties.
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Central Floridians can expect two to four inches of rain, with some areas getting as much as six inches of rain.
A tropical storm watch continues for Lake County. Weather officials said winds could reach 40 mph near Leesburg, Lady Lake and The Villages.
2 a.m. update
Elsa has weakened to a tropical storm again, the National Hurricane Center announced.
Heavy rain and gusty winds continue to spread across Southwest and West-Central Florida.
Elsa now back to tropical storm status (for a third time). pic.twitter.com/YNxHnvcrsP
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) July 7, 2021
1:30 a.m. update
The tornado warning near Lacoochee, which included small section of Sumter County near Rerdell, expired on time at 1:30 A.M.
Channel 9 meteorologists will continue monitoring the storm as it moves toward Bushnell.
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Tornado warning near Lacoochee, includes small section of Sumter County near Rerdell. Warning expires at 1:30am, but we'll monitor storm beyond that as it moves toward Bushnell. pic.twitter.com/LSsVJnpge4
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) July 7, 2021
1:20 a.m. update
A tornado warning has been issued for Sumter County.
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1 a.m. update
Bayshore Boulevard is just south of downtown Tampa, where the bay meets the city.
When storms come through, the wind starts churning that water and it crashes over the sea wall and pours into the street.
TIMELINE: Elsa LIVE updates July 6
With Hurricane Elsa, that hasn’t happened just yet.
12:30 a.m. update
Several tornado watches are in effect for several Central Florida counties.
A tornado watch is in effect for Orange County through 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Tornado watches are also in effect for Lake, Seminole, Volusia, Osceola, Sumter and Marion counties until 8 a.m.
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Channel 9 Chief meteorologist Tom Terry said he is tracking more rotation in squalls in the Polk/Sumter County area.
Watching more rotation in squalls. Polk/Sumter county area. #StormAlert9 @WFTV pic.twitter.com/UFK6OPjmbD
— Tom Terry (@TTerryWFTV) July 7, 2021
Tornado watch is expanded north through 8am Wednesday as we track #Elsa in the Gulf. Live updates on @WFTV and #TV27 pic.twitter.com/N3oqJFYgzP
— Tom Terry (@TTerryWFTV) July 7, 2021
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