ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Depression Eta strengthened into a tropical storm again Saturday just before 10 a.m.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for Brevard County, where tropical storm-force winds are expected within the next 36 hours. Winds will constantly blow between 30-35 mph, with gusts near 50 mph.
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Be sure to secure items, such as loose lawn furniture, as they could blow away and cause damage to property. The worst weather is expected Monday in the latter portion of the day, however, winds are expected to pick up as early as late Sunday.
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As of Saturday night, Tropical Storm Eta is 140 miles west-southwest of Camaguey, Cuba. Forecasters said the storm is moving northeast at 13 mph.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 65 mph with higher gusts. Forecasters said some weakening is possible after landfall in Cuba overnight, but Eta is forecast to restrengthen later on Sunday and could be near hurricane strength as it approaches and moves near or over Florida.
Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center, forecasters said.
On the forecast track, the center of Eta will cross central Cuba on Saturday night, approach south Florida and the Florida Keys on Sunday, pass near or over south Florida and the Florida Keys on Sunday night and Monday, and be over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday.
Central Florida Impacts
Rain:
Widespread rain arrives Sunday night and continues through Monday.
Rain could be heavy at times.
2-4″ of rain will be possible along and east of I-4. 1-3″ will be possible west of I-4 through early Tuesday.
Wind:
Strongest wind gusts arrive late Sunday night and continue through Monday. Wind gusts will be on the order of 35-50mph. Spotty power outages will be possible.
Beach conditions:
A high surf advisory is in effect for the east coast of Florida through Sunday night. Breaking waves will increase to 8-12 feet by Sunday. Localized beach erosion will be possible.