Tropical Storm Elsa gets weaker, slows down but continues to eye Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. - The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its 11 p.m. update that Tropical Storm Elsa continues to grow weaker and slower.
The NHC said the storm is moving north-northwest at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds at 65 mph.
Forecasters said a reconnaissance aircraft flew through Elsa and found the storm to be a little weaker and slower as it moves between Haiti and Jamaica.
However, Florida remains in the projected path of Elsa.
Although, the storm has shifted to the west.
The system was a Category 1 hurricane before weakening on Saturday morning.
"The storm has lost a bit of steam this morning as it continues to quickly move northwest through the Caribbean," FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Allison Gargaro said, adding that many things can change before landfall in the United States.
"On the forecast track, Elsa will move near the southern coast of Hispaniola later today and tonight, and move near Jamaica and portions of eastern Cuba on Sunday. By Monday, Elsa is expected to move across central and western Cuba and head toward the Florida Straits," the NHC said. "Elsa is forecast to move near or over portions of the west coast of Florida on Tuesday."
Little change in strength is forecast through tonight, but gradual weakening is forecast on Sunday and Monday when Elsa is expected to be near or over Cuba.
Make sure to download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather App for updates.
Meanwhile, the majority of the state is on alert as the latest track keeps Florida in the forecasted path. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for several counties.
"The severity of the storm is still uncertain," he said. "The state of emergency applies to the following counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Hardy, Hernando Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties."
"There, it will lose a lot of intensification over land. After that, several models are in a bit more of agreement on where Elsa will go. Right now, it is looking like a possible landfall on the west side of the peninsula," Gargaro said. "This means Orlando will be on the east side of the storm. Our major concerns will be the heavy rain, very strong winds and even the chance for isolated tornadoes."
RELATED: LIST: Here's what you need to stay prepared for hurricane season
RELATED: These locations named most at risk for 2021 Atlantic hurricane season
Elsa is the fifth named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. The next name on the list is Fred. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the U.S. is likely to be hit with another "above-normal" year, with 13 to 20 total named storms.
The FOX 35 STORM TEAM is committed to keeping you safe, stay with us as we track the tropics this 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season.