Tropical storm Emily hits Florida

Early Monday morning a tropical depression making its way towards the Florida coastline was upgraded to a tropical storm, Tropical Storm Emily. Around 10:30 AM ET Emily was located about 45 miles to the southwest of Tampa.

Within the next 24 hours the Florida peninsula is expected to see heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for flash flooding.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for much of Florida’s west coast. Rainfall totals are expected to range from 2-4″, but some isolated locations could receive up to 8″. Wind gusts up to 40 mph have been observed as the tropical storm makes its way onshore.

By Tuesday morning the system will be off the east coast of Florida. As the storm tracks into the Atlantic ocean, strengthening is not expected. Florida is the only state to be impacted by Tropical Storm Emily.