Tropical Storm Warning Issued For Tampa Bay Area As Elsa Approaches Florida

Tropical Storm Elsa is on a path seemingly headed toward the Tampa Bay Area and to prepare for the storm, a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued.

Tropical Storm Elsa is near Cuba and in just about 24-48 hours the storm is set to make landfall. According to the National Hurricane Center, a tropical storm warning has been issued for the Tampa Bay area. During the 11 AM update ABC Action News reported that Elsa is about 20 miles east-southeast of Cayo Largo, Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The system is moving northwest at 14 mph. Not only has a tropical storm warning been issued, there is also a flood watch for the following counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota.

Start making your preparations now for Elsa because the storm is set to move near or over portions of the west coast of Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center.

Once Elsa moves across Cuba, we will know more about it’s direct impacts and shape of the storm. We’ll keep you updated along with our friends at ABC Action News.

[Source: ABC ACTION NEWS]

8 Musts For Florida Hurricane Preparedness

• Phone Charger

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  When the power goes out, you're going to be fiddling with your cell phone even more. Car cell phone chargers will be a lifesaver if there's no juice coming from your usual wall charger.

• Batteries

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  Not just traditional batteries, but grab a portable battery to recharge your cell phone.

• A Radio

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  I know we're biased, but stations like ours that are still live and local will be a vital source of information during the storm, especially when the power goes out and you have no updates coming from those weather guys on TV.
• Prescriptions

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  Be sure you have all you'll need to get through a long stay at home if the roads get too tough to travel.

• Cash

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  If the power goes out, the ATM may not work and some businesses may not be able to process credit card payments.

• Full tank of gas

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  Lines might get long as folks not only fill up their car gas tanks but they'll need gas for those power generators too. Fill up before the weather gets nasty.
• Bottled Water

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  Living in Florida, you can always tell if the weather's going to get rough when bottled water disappears from the shelves. Stock up now while you're thinking of it and it's easy to find!

• Food

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  Try to find canned food that can be opened without a can opener. Those can be a pain to find in the dark during a power outage.