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On Wednesday, the wind shear will be more relaxed, but the system will still be battling the dry air west and NW of the low. However, since the wind shear will not be as strong, it is forecast to strengthen during the day with winds getting up to 45-50 mph. It will turn to the north as the trough of low pressure over the Eastern U.S. pulls it north. Forecast models still show a cold front moving into the SE U.S., and this will turn the storm to the NE away from Louisiana. The front will also cause an increase in wind shear, and that will prevent the storm from getting very strong.
Landfall is expected to be on Thursday between Panama City, FL to Tampa as a strong tropical storm. Very heavy rain and gusty winds will spread over much of Florida. Winds are expected to be sustained around 65 mph, making it the strong tropical storm.
Louisiana looks to be in the clear of TD 9, but we will still have to watch it until it turns to the NE on Wednesday/Wednesday Night. We will have one impact from the storm as tides will be running 1-2 feet above normal thanks to the onshore easterly winds. A Coastal Flood Watch goes into effect at 7 PM tonight and continues until 7 AM Thursday.
Please stay tuned to my updates here, on Facebook, Twitter and on WWL-TV. Stay weather aware! -Dave
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