Tropical Storm Andrea strengthened overnight prompting tropical storm warnings and watches for both Florida coasts. Tornado watches are in effect until 11 a.m. for Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Sumter counties..
Tropical Storm Andrea advisory
2 a.m. Update - Andrea moving northward a little faster.
Watches and Warnings
A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the west coast of Florida, from Boca Grande to Ochlockonee River.
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the U.S. East Coast, from Flagler Beach to Surf City, N.C.
A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
Discussion and 48-hour outlook
At 2 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Andrea was located near latitude 26.8 north, longitude 86.2 west.
Andrea is moving toward the north near 10 mph. A turn toward the northeast with an additional increase in forward speed is expected today.
On the forecast track, the center of Andrea will reach the coast of the Florida Big Bend area late Thursday and then move across southeastern Georgia, southeastern South Carolina and eastern North Carolina by Friday.
Data from a reconnaissance plane and a NOAA buoy indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph with higher gusts. These winds are occurring primarily to the north and east of the center. No significant change in strength is anticipated during the next 48 hours.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. NOAA buoy 42003 recently reported a wind gust of 47 mph.
The estimated minimum central pressure, based on data from NOAA buoy 42003 and a reconnaissance aircraft, is 1001 mb or 29.56 inches.
Hazards affecting land
Storm Surge: The combination of a storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters. The water could reach the following heights above ground if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide:
- Tampa Bay northward to Apalachicola: 2 to 4 feet
- Florida West Coast south of Tampa Bay: 1 to 2 feet
The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the south of the landfall location. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
Rainfall: Andrea is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 6 inches over much of the Florida Peninsula, eastern parts of the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Georgia, with isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches possible. Total rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are also expected over eastern South Carolina and eastern North Carolina.
Wind: Tropical storm conditions are expected to first reach the coast within the warning area by later today, making outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area Thursday night and Friday.
Tornadoes: A few tornadoes are possible over the Florida Peninsula through Thursday.
Next advisory
Next complete advisory: 5 a.m.