Tropical Storm Watch issued for Florida Keys; state still in storm's uncertain path

Tropical Storm Watch issued for Florida Keys; state still in storm's uncertain path

A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for portions of the Florida Keys as Tropical Storm Elsa, which was downgraded from a hurricane late Saturday morning, makes its way toward the state.

A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for portions of the Florida Keys as Tropical Storm Elsa, which was downgraded from a hurricane late Saturday morning, makes its way toward the state.

Tropical Storm Elsa leaves 3 dead in Caribbean

Tropical Storm Elsa leaves 3 dead in Caribbean

The storm was centered about 140 miles (225 kilometers) east of Kingston, Jamaica, and was speeding west-northwest at 23 mph (37 kph).

The storm was centered about 140 miles (225 kilometers) east of Kingston, Jamaica, and was speeding west-northwest at 23 mph (37 kph).

Hurricane Elsa forecast to approach Florida, but long-term track uncertain

Hurricane Elsa forecast to approach Florida, but long-term track uncertain

Hurricane Elsa's forecast continues to be uncertain beyond a few days. Some models bring it west into the Gulf of Mexico; others suggest it will take a more eastern path. Nearly all of Florida is in the forecast cone.

Hurricane Elsa's forecast continues to be uncertain beyond a few days. Some models bring it west into the Gulf of Mexico; others suggest it will take a more eastern path. Nearly all of Florida is in the forecast cone.

Tropical Storm Elsa forms as fifth named storm of hurricane season

Tropical Storm Elsa forms as fifth named storm of hurricane season

While Tropical Storm Elsa officially formed Thursday morning, it’s still too soon to determine what – if any – impacts could happen next week for Florida. Elsa is the earliest fifth named storm on record for the Atlantic hurricane season.

While Tropical Storm Elsa officially formed Thursday morning, it’s still too soon to determine what – if any – impacts could happen next week for Florida. Elsa is the earliest fifth named storm on record for the Atlantic hurricane season.

Tropical Depression 5 likely to become Tropical Storm Elsa Thursday

Tropical Depression 5 likely to become Tropical Storm Elsa Thursday

Forecasters are keeping an eye on an area of low pressure that has a high chance of developing into at least a tropical depression.

Forecasters are keeping an eye on an area of low pressure that has a high chance of developing into at least a tropical depression.

Disturbance off South Carolina coast has narrow window for development

Disturbance off South Carolina coast has narrow window for development

A loosely organized area of showers and storms, located east-southeast of Charleston, SC, had shown signs of getting better organized Sunday, but strong upper-level winds have been working against it so far.

A loosely organized area of showers and storms, located east-southeast of Charleston, SC, had shown signs of getting better organized Sunday, but strong upper-level winds have been working against it so far.

Warnings issued as Tropical Storm Claudette expected to form in Gulf

Warnings issued as Tropical Storm Claudette expected to form in Gulf

The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm warnings for the central Gulf Coast ahead of the likely formation of Tropical Storm Claudette, which is expected to dump several inches of rain on Louisiana but stay west of Florida.

The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm warnings for the central Gulf Coast ahead of the likely formation of Tropical Storm Claudette, which is expected to dump several inches of rain on Louisiana but stay west of Florida.

Costs and benefits of underground power lines in Florida

Costs and benefits of underground power lines in Florida

When a hurricane whips through, underground power lines could keep the lights on. But it costs as much as $1 million a mile, and when something does go wrong, they have to be dug up to get fixed -- which opponents warn will drive up electric bills.

When a hurricane whips through, underground power lines could keep the lights on. But it costs as much as $1 million a mile, and when something does go wrong, they have to be dug up to get fixed -- which opponents warn will drive up electric bills.

Season's second tropical depression forms as forecasters watch two other areas of interest

Season's second tropical depression forms as forecasters watch two other areas of interest

Forecasters say the second tropical depression of the season has formed and they are now watching two other areas for tropical development, though none of the potential systems poses an immediate threat to Florida.

Forecasters say the second tropical depression of the season has formed and they are now watching two other areas for tropical development, though none of the potential systems poses an immediate threat to Florida.

Gulf's first tropical system possible next week

Gulf's first tropical system possible next week

It’s a common spot for tropical development this time of year. It looks like a broad area of low pressure should form early next week over the Bay of Campeche, and gradually move north through the week.

It’s a common spot for tropical development this time of year. It looks like a broad area of low pressure should form early next week over the Bay of Campeche, and gradually move north through the week.

As hurricane season starts again, memories of 2004 will always linger

As hurricane season starts again, memories of 2004 will always linger

2004 brought Charley, Jeanne, and Frances -- a triple-hit that left devastation across the Tampa Bay area and central Florida, especially in the normally quiet town of Lake Wales.

2004 brought Charley, Jeanne, and Frances -- a triple-hit that left devastation across the Tampa Bay area and central Florida, especially in the normally quiet town of Lake Wales.