Hurricane Elsa heads toward Manatee. The worst will come overnight, forecast says
As Hurricane Elsa continues to march north toward Manatee County, local residents are advised to prepare for its overnight impacts.
Thunderstorms and showers are likely throughout the day on Tuesday, but forecasters predict that tropical storm conditions will intensify by 8 p.m., which is when storm surge along the county’s coastal areas is expected.
According to the National Weather Service, Elsa could bring about 5 inches of rainfall to the Bradenton area, along with a 3- to 5-foot storm surge. Elsa will also produce high winds between 35 and 45 mph, including gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.
As of 11 p.m Tuesday, Elsa was about 65 miles southwest miles of Tampa and 125 miles south of Cedar Key, with sustained winds of 75 mph, the threshold to be considered a category 1 hurricane. It was moving to the north at 14 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
By Wednesday, forecasters say the worst of Elsa will be over, but the area is still expected to see scattered showers and thunderstorms. Tropical storm winds are predicted to drop down between 15 and 25 mph as well. Gusts could still be as high as 35 mph, but they’re expected to diminish by midnight.
In order for residents to prepare for the storm, Manatee County has opened a voluntary shelter at Manatee High School, 902 33rd St. Court W., Bradenton.
Herald reporter Jessica De Leon contributed to this report.
This story was originally published July 6, 2021 at 11:39 AM.
