Tropical Storm Elsa made landfall around Wednesday morning along Florida's northern Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center said.
Greater Cincinnati's favorite vacation spots missed most of the storm, but that doesn't mean they're totally in the clear.
Elsa's had maximum sustained winds at 45 mph as it traveled over southern Georgia, the National Hurricane Center said in its 11 p.m. update.
From its location about 80 miles northwest of Brunswick, Georgia, and 150 miles west-southwest of Charleston, South Carolina, the storm was expected to follow a steady path north and have an impact all the way up the Eastern Seaboard the rest of the week.
Tampa and Clearwater were blasted by high winds and heavy rains as the storm, weakening slightly but still a powerful storm, rolled up Florida's west coast.
Here's what to expect if you're traveling south in the coming days:
Destin, Pensacola Beach, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
The National Weather Service said to prepare for rain and high surf for the rest of the week along the western Florida coast.
"The only local impacts we will have will be building surf heights to around 5 feet from this morning through the evening, with a high risk of rip currents through Thursday evening. Additionally, heavy rain combined with saturated soil conditions can lead to the potential for flash flooding," forecasters said.
Panama City
Panama City is not under storm surge warnings but there is potential for localized flooding up to 6 inches total throughout the week.
The National Weather Service also said a high risk of rip currents will continue along the panhandle beaches well away from the remainder of Elsa's impacts, mainly due to increased swell and long periods.
Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Charleston
Tropical storm warnings are in place along the coast of northern Georgia and South Carolina, including parts of Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach and Charleston.
Forecasters said there is a threat for tropical-storm-force winds, especially near the coast Wednesday and Thursday. For that same period, forecasters are calling for 2 to 4 inches of rain.
"Elsa will produce tropical-storm-force wind gusts exceeding 40 mph in some areas,
especially close to the coast, as well as dangerous rip currents and rough surf at area beaches," the National Weather Service said.
Myrtle Beach
A Tropical Storm Warning is in place for Myrtle Beach.
"There will be an increased potential for flash flooding, gusty winds, and isolated tornadoes as Elsa move across the region. Surf and marine conditions will deteriorate this afternoon and evening. The threat for strong rip currents will increase (Wednesday), and seas will become dangerous for small craft," the National Weather Service said.
Forecasters said the peak wind forecast is 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Flooding is also possible, with 1 to 3 inches expected.
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