1:29
A hurricane warning is in effect along Florida’s northern Gulf Coast while a tornado watch has been issued from Miami to Tampa through 11 p.m.
The University of Florida in Gainesville has canceled all classes for Wednesday as Elsa closes in.
Tampa International Airport is suspending operations from 5 p.m. Tuesday until 10 a.m. Wednesday while the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is stopping operations from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Tampa Bay as Elsa slowly approaches. Lots of wind while on my balcony. Can you hear it? pic.twitter.com/opgN44sKKd
— 🌊 Lily Bergeron (@Lily_Warrior) July 5, 2021
Storm surge could reach 3 to 5 feet along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/elsa-storm-surge-abc-mo-20210706_1625610633937_hpEmbed_16x9_384.jpg\")
Rainfall totals may climb to 6 to 8 inches across Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas through Thursday.
The ground in many parts of the Sunshine State is already saturated after a 300% rain increase over the last two weeks, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez said Tuesday.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/elsa-rainfall-totals-abc-mo-20210706_1625610303269_hpEmbed_25x14_384.jpg\")
Residents should be prepared to be without power for the next few days, but widespread evacuations aren't expected, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/tropical-storm-elsa-florida-01-ap-jc-210706_1625609959534_hpMain_4x3t_384.jpg\")
After barreling through Florida, Elsa will weaken to a tropical storm or tropical depression as it moves through Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/elsa-long-track-abc-mo-20210706_1625610444702_hpEmbed_16x9_384.jpg\")
By the end of the week, Elsa will bring rain and wind to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
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