Tropical Storm Eta Makes Fourth Landfall

FLORIDA—November 12, 2020—After briefly strengthening back into a hurricane on Wednesday morning, Tropical Storm Eta made its fourth total landfall early Thursday on Florida’s west coast. The storm’s second landfall on the state, Eta struck just south of Cedar Key, Fla. with 50 mph winds, heavy rain, and 2 to 5 feet of storm surge, according to CNN.

Tropical storm-force winds extended 115 miles from the center of the storm, downing trees and tearing roofs from homes. CNN reports that more that 15,000 customers have lost power and streets are flooded in areas like Sarasota and St. Petersburg, Fla. The risk of flooding continues as much of western and central Florida is expected to receive an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain today, further drenching already saturated areas.

Tropical Storm Eta is currently tracking east across the State of Florida. It is forecast to move out to sea and dissipate in the Atlantic.

November 10, 2020

Tropical Storm Eta Drenches Florida

Tropical Storm Eta brought heavy rain and flooding to Florida as Subtropical Storm Theta forms in the Atlantic, making 2020 the most active season on record.

FLORIDA—November 10, 2020—After making its U.S. landfall on Lower Matecumbe Key late Sunday, Tropical Storm Eta drenched South Florida with heavy rain, flooded streets, and gusty winds that knocked out power to nearly 13,000 customers, according to CNN. The storm weakened and moved out into the Gulf of Mexico, but it is expected to track north offshore through the remainder of the week, possibly bringing an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain to Florida’s west coast.

Continued flooding is expected, especially in low-lying areas, and some locations could receive as much as 18 inches of rain by storm’s end. Eta is also forecast to cause high surf and dangerous rip currents in South Florida and the Florida Keys, according to CNN. Eta first made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Nicaragua last Tuesday, and a second time as a tropical storm in Cuba early Sunday. Florida was Eta’s third landfall as a named storm.

As Eta churns in the Gulf of Mexico, the 2020 hurricane season makes history once again. While Eta was the first named storm to make landfall in Florida, it was the 12th storm to hit the U.S. this year, shattering the previous record of nine landfalls in a season. Meanwhile, Subtropical Storm Theta has formed in the Atlantic, becoming the 29th named storm of the season and making 2020 the most active hurricane season on record. CNN reports that Theta is expected to remain over open water and dissipate without affecting any land.