Tropical Storm Andrea To Hit Part of Florida Coast

The National Hurricane Center has named the first tropical storm of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season. Andrea formed in the east-central Gulf of Mexico, and tropical storm warnings now stretch from Fort Myers into the Florida panhandle.

Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay Area. Tropical storm watches are out for portions of the Atlantic seaboard.

The lopsided system has slowly been developing over the past few days. Tropical storm force winds developed before the system sealed off a closed circulation; therefore, it has bypassed the “tropical depression” phase and gone directly to tropical storm status.

Nearly all of the thunderstorm activity associated with Andrea is east of the circulation center, thanks to a combination of wind shear in the upper atmosphere (blowing the thunderstorms off-center) and dry air coming in on the west side of the system. This is likely to prevent Andrea’s winds from strengthening rapidly.

So, the main concern from Andrea is the very heavy rainfall it will bring to Florida through Friday. Several inches of rainfall could result in localized flooding across the Florida Peninsula. In addition, a threat of isolated tornadoes may also develop by Thursday if the atmosphere becomes unstable enough. Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches will see gusty winds, increasing surf and dangerous rip currents. There will also be the potential for minor coastal flooding at times of high tide.

The high danger of rip currents is also a concern for Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and swimmers are advised to stay out of the water in all areas of high rip current danger.

After moving across northern Florida, the low-pressure system associated with Andrea will eventually get pulled northward ahead of a frontal system moving through the eastern states Friday into early Saturday. This could enhance rainfall along the East Coast during this timeframe.