Will Tropical Storm Erin impact Daytona, Flagler? See the latest on strengthening storm
Tropical Storm Erin is expected to begin strengthening soon and is likely to become a hurricane in the next 48 hours, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Erin is moving fast across the Atlantic, at 22 mph. It's forecast not only to become the Atlantic season's first hurricane, but also a major hurricane. A major hurricane is one that's a Category 3 or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
Officials encourage residents to monitor Erin closely and to be prepared.
'It's still the same message, which is that it's too early to determine any sort of impacts to Central Florida, but it's a good opportunity to make sure that hurricane plans for yourself are in place, that you have your hurricane kit stocked and ready to go,' said Brendan Schaper, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
Those in Volusia and Flagler counties are urged to keep an eye on the forecast and be aware that peak hurricane season is now upon us, the NWS stated.
Tropical Storm Erin expected to turn to the northwest, but when?
At 5 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, the center of Tropical Storm Erin was located near latitude 17.4 North, longitude 34.3 West. Erin is moving toward the west near 22 mph, and this motion is expected to continue for the next several days with a decrease in forward speed and a gradual turn toward the west-northwest.
Daytona Beach, Flagler area forecast calls for hotter temperatures, rain
Looking ahead to this week's forecast, temperatures are expected to trend hotter each day with heat index values approaching 102-107+ degrees, especially later in the week, according to the forecast discussion from the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
Near normal rain and thunderstorm chances also are forecast, mainly along the path of the afternoon seabreeze, with higher coverage focused across the interior portions of Volusia and Flagler counties each day.
'It's going to trend hotter, especially later in the week,' Schaper said. 'Friday and Saturday are expected to be a couple of the hottest days, with temperatures to reach the mid-90s for most locations, with heat index values that could rise to potentially 109.
'It's kind of your typical summertime storm pattern.'
A moderate risk of rip currents will continue at all area beaches through at least midweek. Those entering the ocean are advised to always swim in front of a staffed lifeguard station and never venture into the water alone.
That risk could escalate depending on Erin's track, Schaper said.
Daytona Beach weather radar
Extended forecast for Daytona Beach
Tuesday, Aug. 12: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90 and nighttime low around 77. Heat index values as high as 102. East southeast wind 5-10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday, Aug. 13: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91 and nighttime low around 77. Heat index values as high as 102. Light and variable wind becoming east southeast 5-10 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday, Aug. 14: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92 and nighttime low around 78. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday, Aug. 15: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92 and nighttime low around 78. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Extended forecast for Palm Coast
Tuesday, Aug. 12: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 91 and nighttime low around 76. Heat index values as high as 106. East wind 7-11 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.
Wednesday, Aug. 13: A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87 and nighttime low around 78. South wind 5-10 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 16 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday, Aug. 14: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88 and nighttime low around 78. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5-7 mph in the morning.
Friday, Aug. 15: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 88 and nighttime low around 79.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: As Erin moves west in Atlantic what's the danger to Daytona, Flagler?
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