Although winds are calm as Manatee County awakes this Tuesday morning, the weather is forecast to deteriorate with rain and possible high storm surges causing localized flooding. According to the National Hurricane Center, “Now that Elsa is gradually pulling away from Cuba, it will have an opportunity to strengthen.” Based on the 5:00 am 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.”