Calm Before The Storm – Elsa Tuesday Morning Update

As Manatee County wakes Tuesday morning to calm winds and partly cloudy skies, Tropical Storm Elsa is only hours away from impacting the area.

According to the National Hurricane Center, “Elsa is now located over the Florida Straits, with tropical-storm-force wind gusts occurring across the Lower and Middle Keys. Doppler radar data and satellite images indicate that the core of Elsa is fairly small and has maximum winds of around 50 kt. The outer rainbands associated with Elsa are spreading northward across southern Florida, and a cluster of deep convection has been lingering over portions of central and western Cuba. The Air Force Hurricane Hunters will be investigating Elsa later this morning, and the data the plane collects will be valuable in assessing the storm’s intensity and structure.”

The National Hurricane Center adds, “Now that Elsa is gradually pulling away from Cuba, it will have an opportunity to strengthen. However, the environmental conditions are only marginal for the storm to do so. Dry air on the western side of the cyclone and some westerly shear should prevent rapid intensification, but the small cyclone will likely strengthen slowly before it moves inland over the Big Bend of Florida.”

“Based on this new forecast, a Hurricane Watch has been issued for a portion of the west-central and Big Bend Florida coast. In addition it should be noted that much of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula is expected to see wind, rain, and surge impacts since that region will be on Elsa’s east side.”

Elsa is forecasted to bring significant rain and storm surge to the area.

City Of Bradenton Sandbag Information:

Sandbag distribution at the Public Works Annex, which is located at 1411 9th St. W., will be continued into Tuesday. City officials will be distributing sandbags to City of Bradenton residents at the Public Works Annex on Monday until 5 p.m. and then on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Residents can enter off of 9th St. W at the side of the Annex building, which leads into the sandbag area behind the Annex.

Tropical Storm Elsa is forecasted to bring significant rain and storm surge to the area. Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather information and to sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts.

Sandbag distribution will be limited to 10 bags per car, and a valid ID to demonstrate city residency will be required.

Manatee County Sandbag Information:Beginning Tuesday morning, Manatee County Public Works Department will be providing sandbags (limit 10 per household) at three locations around Manatee County. Each site will open at 8 a.m. and will continue to operate as long as the weather permits. Residents should plan to show an ID or Manatee County Utilities Department water bill indicating they are a resident of Manatee County. Visit www.mymanatee.org/sandbags for more information.  

• Self-Serve Distribution Site (Bags and sand provided)
  Public Works Department Stormwater Facility 
  5511 39th St E Bradenton FL 34203
• Full-Service Distribution Site
  GT Bray Park (Parking Lot)
  5502 33rd Ave Drive W Bradenton, FL 34209
• Pre-made Sandbag Distribution Site
  Manatee Beach Parking Lot
  4000 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL  34217