Thursday July 1
**CURRENT SITUATION**
PTC #5 has become better organized overnight and has now been designated Tropical Storm Elsa.
The center of Elsa is located about 780 miles ESE of the Windward Islands, or about 2,250 miles southeast of Miami, FL.
Elsa is moving to the west at 25 mph, and a turn toward the west-northwest is expected over the next several days. An eventual northward turn is expected late this weekend into early next week.
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph and gradual strengthening is forecast. The system could be near hurricane strength in the Caribbean, especially if it remains south of Hispaniola and Cuba.
There is SIGNIFICANT uncertainty in the track forecast beyond 3 days. Models split considerably by the time Elsa makes it to Hispaniola. However, this system should continue to be closely monitored for impacts to Florida.
**WALTON COUNTY ACTIONS**
Walton County Emergency Management is closely monitoring this system and will send any relevant updates. Please monitor email for updates.
The good news: no effects are expected for the Panhandle through the holiday weekend. Happy Independence Day!
