Claudette continues to strengthen

Tropical Storm Claudette formed from TD #4 as expected this afternoon and is heading for the Florida panhandle. Winds are currently up to 50 mphamd may reach 65 mph by landfall.

Update: Tropical Storm Claudette strengthens (Tallahassee Democrat)

Maximum sustained winds are at 50 mph. At 2 p.m., Claudette was 40 miles south of Apalachicola moving northwest at 14 mph and expected to make landfall this evening.

Winds extend up to 70 miles from the center of the storm.

The area from the Alabama/Florida border east to the Suwannee River is under a tropical storm warning.Three to five inches of rainfall with as much as 10 inches expected in some areas.

Coastal residents can expect a storm surge of three to five feet.

Fortunately, the timing of Claudette's landfall should minimize the potential for damage from the storm surge. High tide occurred at 11 am and the tide is the lowest at 9 pm tonight as Claudette is coming ashore. This does not diminish the need for preparation. The concern with this storm is the heavy rain and potential for flooding.

Tropical Storm Claudette closing in on Florida Panhandle (Weather Channel)

Gusty winds and heavy rain, which may trigger some flash flooding, are the main threats. Three to six inches are possible in the Florida Panhandle and adjacent portions of southern Alabama. Locally heavier amounts are possible especially along and just east of where the center of circulation tracks.

Video: Tropical Storm Claudette enroute to Florida (Weather Channel)