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Tropical Storm Conditions Possible Across First Coast Tuesday Night

rainfall map
FPREN

Isolated tornadoes, waterspouts and coastal flooding are possible Tuesday night and early Wednesday near Palm Coast and northward across the First Coast. 

A storm system called Invest 93 is already producing tropical storm conditions off the coast of Daytona Beach. The worst rain, gusty winds and possible tornadoes are expected in the Jacksonville area, especially in the eastern part of Duval County and at the Beaches, between 7 p.m. and midnight Tuesday. 

Satellite and radar data suggested winds up to tropical-storm force were already occurring just offshore from an area of low pressure as of Tuesday afternoon. The National Hurricane Center says advisories on a tropical depression or storm could be initiated this afternoon. If it becomes a tropical storm, it would be named Julia.

Rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches are possible, with the highest amounts near and east of the I-95 corridor. An isolated tornado is also possible in some of the strongest rain squalls. Gusty winds up to 45 mph might also cause minor wind damage in a few spots during times of heavier rain. The strong onshore flow will also kick up surf, making for adverse boating and swimming conditions through Thursday.

Jeff Huffman is Chief Meteorologist at the University of Florida in Gainesville. In addition to his full-time position at the university's radio and television stations, WUFT-FM/TV and WRUF-TV, the latter of which he co-founded, Huffman also provides weather coverage to public radio stations throughout Florida