Tampa Bay in Tropical Storm Erika's Projected Path

Tropical Storm Erika is still several days away from the United States, but forecasters anticipate she’ll blow in early next week at hurricane strength.

The storm is currently on a track that puts most of Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, in her potential path. As of Wednesday morning, Tropical Storm Erika was located about 190 miles east of Antigua. She’s moving west at an estimated 17 mph.

Erika “flared up overnight and then dropped back as far as intensity goes,” said meteorologist Richard Rude of the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office early Wednesday morning. By 8 a.m., Erika had flared back up once more with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. She was holding a steady course by the 8 p.m. update.

Rude said that while Erika poses no immediate threat for the Tampa Bay area, the storm bears careful watching. For those who have not yet prepared for hurricane season, now is the time to do so with Erika serving as a good reminder, he added.

See Also:

• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• State Preparing As Tropical Storm Erika Draws Closer

“Everyone’s hurricane season preparation should have been done June 1,” Rude said. “Get a plan and maybe stock up on a few things.”

Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year.

While Erika’s path over the next few days remains uncertain, forecasters say the Tampa Bay area is in for typical summertime weather as the week continues. Residents can expect isolated to scattered storms in the morning hours and the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon hours. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s Wednesday with a bit of a cooling on Thursday as storm chances increase to about 70 percent.

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Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service