Eta Becomes Hurricane, On Track For Florida’s West Coast

Portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast are beginning to feel effects from Hurricane Eta’s outer bands as the Category 1 storm makes its approach toward Florida’s west coast, with winds at 75 mph and the potential for “life-threatening storm surge," forecasters said.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Anna Maria Island to Yankeetown, where hurricane conditions are possible within 24 hours, forecasters said.

By Thursday, “life-threatening storm surge” of up to 5 feet could occur on portions of the Florida Gulf Coast from Bonita Beach to Steinhatchee River, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, forecasters said. The area is under a storm surge warning.

Eta’s tropical-storm-force winds stretch out over 115 miles.

Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with maximum storm total accumulations of 6 inches, is expected in western and central Florida in the next 48 hours.