Photo courtesy the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical Storm Nestor is expected to hit Tallahassee and other areas of the Northern Gulf Coast later today and last through the weekend. The initial tropical storm warning was upgraded this morning to a tropical storm watch for Leon and surrounding counties by the National Weather Service.
Nestor is labeled a potential tropical cyclone 16 by the National Weather Service and is at a storm intensity of 40 mph. This means wind forces can reach 39 mph or greater along the Florida Panhandle.
For greater Tallahassee, the National Weather Service expects tropical storm force winds. The peak wind forecast is at 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph with the potential to 57 mph. Their latest report advises, “Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.”
As of 4 a.m. today, the National Hurricane Center released a key advisory stating, “Tropical storm force winds are likely by later today along portions of the central and eastern Gulf Coast, where tropical storm warnings are in effect. Regardless of the exact track and intensity of the system, these winds will cover a large area, especially east of the center.”
The city of Tallahassee is taking preemptive measures to prepare citizens for strong winds and possible flooding. Two sandbag locations opened this morning at James Messer Park South and at Northwood Mall. The city advises residents to report flooded streets and said, “Now is the time for citizens to update their utility contact information to ensure they receive email and text alerts from the city.”
On Thursday evening, Florida A&M University announced the postponement of the much awaited football game against North Carolina A&T University. The game was originally scheduled at 6 p.m. Saturday.
FAMU said in a release this afternoon that the game will be played on Sunday, with a 2 p.m. start.
According to FAMU athletics, “All tickets for the game that were purchased through the Florida A&M Ticket Office will be honored for Sunday’s game.”
University operations will be suspended at the main and Crestview campuses starting at 8 p.m. today and lasting to 8 p.m. Saturday. A release by the university lists scheduled changes for volleyball matches, cancellations of the weekend performances by The Essential Theatre and clinical cancellations for the School of Nursing.
Residents of university housing should note that retail dining locations will be closed and the main dining room will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The Venom Express route will run an extra hour to accommodate the change on Saturday.
“The FAMU community is asked to monitor weather forecasts and proceed with caution,” the release said. Further information can be found on here on the National Hurricane Center site.