The latest satellite activity shows a slight wobble to the east of the center of the storm. This has raised concern in the Tampa Bay area of a shift to the east and potential direct impacts among residents there. DO NOT PANIC. The shift appears to be a mere wobble which does potentially shift the track east by 20-30 miles but will not turn the storm. Especially considering the forward speed of this storm as well as the atmospheric conditions which indicate a pull to the north. I would be concerned that a potential direct hit AGAIN for Taylor County (3 in a year) would be in the cards due to this wobble. The official NHC track continues to put a range between Panacea and Alligator Point as a likely landfall spot meaning a direct hit for Tallahassee.

Other impacts since our last update:

We’ve had tornadic activity in northern Brevard and southern Volusia as well as in eastern Manatee County.

We have also seen a storm surge impact in downtown Naples around Tin City and 5th Street. Appears to be a surge of about two feet which likely will pale in comparison to what we will see further north.

Sustained winds have picked up in southeastern Florida in addition to the earlier gusts of over 50 MPH, justifying the NHC’s controversial decision to place the Miami/Fort Lauderdale metro area under a Tropical Storm Warning despite being 300 miles from the center of the storm.