Tropical Storm Elsa

"This is a shelter-in-place operation, unless you are in a low-lying area," said Barry Burton, Pinellas County Administrator.

The 2 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center reduced Elsa back down to a Tropical Storm, as it continues to bring heavy rains and gutsy winds to the greater Tampa Bay region.

Tropical Storm Elsa is causing closures and cancellations as residents prepare for wind, rain and a possible storm surge.

Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph are likely along the coast, with 35 to 45 mph gusts possible within the watch and warning areas inland with the strongest bands.

A tropical storm watch is in place for much of the Florida west coast. A storm surge watch was also issued from Bonita Beach northward to the Suwannee River.

Tropical Storm conditions are possible as soon as Monday in the Keys and are likely to spread northward into South Florida late Monday into Monday night.

Rain is still forecast across the greater Tampa Bay region this weekend, but they will be more prevalent during the morning along the coast.

Hurricane Elsa is expected to affect Florida early next week. Officials have begun preparations for potential impact as teams work at the condo site looking for those who remain unaccounted for.

The storm quickly strengthened overnight and is forecast to enter the Caribbean on Friday night.

Tropical Storm Elsa is located well east of the Windward Islands, but is forecast to move quickly into the Caribbean this weekend.