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Tropical Storm Elsa, which is projected to make landfall this morning (Wednesday) along the west coast of Florida will impact our weather on Thursday. However, by that time, the storm is expected to be downgraded to a tropical depression.

As of 12 noon on Tuesday, local Emergency Management officials in the Roanoke-Chowan area were keeping a close eye on the track of the storm.

“We will continue to monitor this storm with each [weather] briefing, but as of now it appears we will see some rain and wind from it,” said Hertford County Emergency Management Director Chris Smith. “No predictions at this point cause any need to be alarmed. With rain amount low, flooding is not a concern. We will closely monitor winds, but as of now they do not look like they will be strong enough to have a need to open any shelters. My advice at this point is to stay turned for the latest updates”

The National Weather Service Office in Wakefield, VA said the track of the tropical storm is projected to follow a northeast path after making landfall. That will take the storm near the Georgia and Carolina coasts Wednesday through late Wednesday night before tracking across northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia on Thursday.

The first impacts from this system will be increased swell/rip current risk along the coast. There is the potential for heavy rainfall and gusty winds to tropical storm strength for southeastern portions of the area on Thursday.

In addition, an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out to the right of the forecast track.

NWS-Wakefield is projecting upwards to two inches of rain for most all of the Roanoke-Chowan area, with the possibility of higher amounts in isolated spots. That may lead to minor flash flooding in low lying areas.

There will be lesser amounts of rain further north and west.