ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A weakened Tropical Storm Elsa is dumping rain along a long stretch of Florida’s coastline but has spared the state of major damage. Elsa wobbled through the Gulf of Mexico, briefly reaching hurricane strength, but was expected to move ashore as a tropical storm on Wednesday. Tornado warnings were issued in several northern Florida counties, including the Gainesville area, on Wednesday morning. Heavy rain and gusty winds are expected across northern Florida once the storm makes an expected turn to the northeast. Some flooding is also expected in the region, where the ground is already saturated from heavy rain late last week.
Tropical Storm Elsa weakens, spares Florida of major damage
