Storm warnings issued for Gulf coast

By Tonya Root - The Sun News

A subtropical depression formed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico today, according to the 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical storm warnings were issued for residents living from Apalachicola, Fla., to Mississippi including New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain, which means tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 24 hours.

The storm was about 45 miles southwest of Apalachicola, Fla., at 11 a.m., and moving northwest at 8 mph, officials said. A west-northwest turn is expected during the next 24 hours and the center of the storm will move nearly parallel to the coastline.

Maximum sustained winds were near 35 mph with stronger gusts and some strengthening could occur during the next 24 hours with it becoming Tropical Depression Jerry, officials said. Up to four inches of rain is expected from the storm as well as isolated tornadoes possible over southwestern Georgia, the Florida panhandle and southeastern Alabama tonight.

Coastal storm surge flooding is expected to be up to two feet above normal tide levels.