Florida weather

Rainfall totals of 4-8 inches are possible along the Nature Coast to near Gainesville and to areas just north of the Interstate 4 corridor.

Higher rain amounts are possible anywhere in the state where storms are more persistent, with the Nature Coast favored for the locally higher rain totals.

The greater Tampa Bay region can expect potentially strong storms starting Friday night.

The front will produce a more southeasterly wind and drive deep moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.

The governor explained steps the state has taken to prepare for Tropical Storm Elsa and gave warnings about generator safety and night driving.

Emergency pumps have been installed to combat heavy rain and winds from the storm.

"This is a shelter-in-place operation, unless you are in a low-lying area," said Barry Burton, Pinellas County Administrator.

The 2 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center reduced Elsa back down to a Tropical Storm, as it continues to bring heavy rains and gutsy winds to the greater Tampa Bay region.

Tropical Storm conditions are possible as soon as Monday in the Keys and are likely to spread northward into South Florida late Monday into Monday night.

Rain is still forecast across the greater Tampa Bay region this weekend, but they will be more prevalent during the morning along the coast.

Hurricane Elsa is expected to affect Florida early next week. Officials have begun preparations for potential impact as teams work at the condo site looking for those who remain unaccounted for.

The storm quickly strengthened overnight and is forecast to enter the Caribbean on Friday night.