Final update on Beryl

Final scheduled update on Tropical Storm Beryl impacts to east-central Florida: At 8 AM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Beryl was located about 50 miles west of Jacksonville, FL and moving west at 8 MPH. Maximum sustained winds had decreased to 40 mph with these stronger winds confined to rain bands over the Atlantic east of the center (well north of Volusia County). On this forecast track, Beryl will turn northward into southeast Georgia later today and move farther away from east central Florida tonight. The primary weather hazards for today will be redevelopment of outer rain bands well south of the circulation center of Beryl. These rainbands will develop in place across central Florida due to the residual moist airmass combined with daytime heating --- and will be most likely from Osceola and Brevard Counties northward to Lake and Volusia Counties. Cloud to ground lightning strikes, locally heavy rainfall amounts of one to two inches and gusty winds of 45 to 50 mph will be the main hazards. Development of a sea breeze near the coast this afternoon may provide locally favorable conditions for a waterspout or tornado this afternoon/evening in association with stronger storms. Hazards along the coast today will include a strong northward flowing current at the beaches and the risk of afternoon lightning storms with locally gusty winds. Rough surf along the Volusia County beaches will gradually subside. Storm motion will be toward the northeast or east-northeast at 25 to 30 mph. The outlook for Tuesday through Friday: The main weather hazards will be scattered thunderstorms moving northeast from mid day into the afternoon hours each day. The storms will first develop over/near the Gulf Coast, then move into the interior and eastern portions of central Florida. Locally heavy rain, gusty winds to 40 mph and cloud to ground lightning strikes will accompany storms Tuesday and Wednesday.  Somewhat drier air moving into the area late in the week will reduce afternoon thunderstorm coverage Thursday into Friday.