Tropical Storm Eta Approaching North Florida

Tropical Storm Eta is weakening some more as it moves closer to North Central Florida. The 1AM advisory put Eta’s center about 35 miles southwest of Cedar Key. Maximum sustained winds had fallen to 60 mph.

A Storm Surge Warning remains in effect from Bonita Beach to the Suwannee River. A Storm Surge Watch extends from the Suwannee River to the Steinhatchee River. While values 3 to 5 feet above ground are not extreme, this level of surge was still causing significant issues in the vulnerable Tampa Bay area. Around Cedar Key, wind direction will be critical in determining peak surge values.

Locally, parts or all of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Camden, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, and Union counties are under a Tropical Storm Warning.

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Tracking Hurricane Zeta

Zeta is quickly strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico. It is now forecast to become a Category 2 hurricane by early this afternoon as it approaches Southeastern Louisiana and Southeastern Mississippi. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect from Morgan City, LA to the Mississippi/Alabama border. It continues to include New Orleans and Gulfport.

Fast storm movement will allow damaging winds to spread well inland into areas of even Central Alabama. Widespread power outages are expected. Those in the direct path of this system need to charge up their devices!

A Storm Surge Warning stretches from the mouth of the Atchafalaya River to Navarre, FL. Those from the mouth of the Pearl River to Dauphin Island, AL look to be at greatest risk.

Despite a cold front ultimately pushing through and drying things out, conditions could become favorable for isolated tornadic activity out ahead of it across even parts of the Florida Big Bend and Southern Georgia.

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Hurricane Delta to Make Landfall In Vulnerable Southwestern Louisiana

Category 2 Hurricane Delta is moving closer to the coast of Southwestern Louisiana this afternoon. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect from High Island, TX to Morgan City, LA. It includes Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria, and Beaumont. A Storm Surge Warning extends from High Island to the Mouth of the Pearl River. This is the second time in six weeks or so that Lake Charles will be directly impacted by a hurricane. On August 27th, Major Hurricane Laura devastated the region.

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Hurricane Sally Slowly Moving Closer to Pensacola; Tornadoes and Flash Flooding Possible Across Florida Big Bend and Southwest Georgia

The forecast track for Hurricane Sally continues to shift east as it now looks like the Pensacola area will get the worst impacts from this dangerous storm. The Hurricane Warning has been extended eastward to extend from the Okaloosa/Walton County line to Bay St. Louis, MS. Isolated wind gusts around 100 mph could occur in the Gulf Shores/Pensacola vicinity. As of 12AM CT, Sally was continuing to strengthen and had become a Category 2 hurricane once again. Flash flooding is the biggest concern as isolated spots could ultimately receive 30+ inches of rain. Historic numbers are possible.

Toward the Tallahassee/Albany area, concern is increasing for isolated tornadoes and flash flooding as Sally’s eastern quadrant (most favorable zone for tornadic activity) moves across the area from the south and west.

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Major Hurricane Laura to Devastate Southwest Louisiana and Extreme Southeast Texas

Major Category 4 Hurricane Laura continues to move closer to Southwestern Louisiana and extreme Southeastern Texas tonight. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect from San Luis Pass, TX to Intracoastal City, LA. A Storm Surge Warning extends from Freeport, TX to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Widespread catastrophic damage is expected to occur overnight in the Lake Charles area.

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