Hurricane Elsa racing through the eastern Caribbean

Elsa became a hurricane this morning and continues to race through the eastern Caribbean. Maximum sustained winds remain at 85 mph.

At 8 a.m. Friday, Elsa became a hurricane near Barbados.

It is spreading hurricane conditions across the Windward Islands. Heavy rain and strongs winds are the main impacts.

Spaghetti models are in good agreement that this system will remain on a steady west-northwest path into the weekend. As is often the case, though, they spread apart with time.

Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement or not on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on to best use these models.

We’ll have to watch what this system may do next week. There’s a possibility it could move into the Gulf of Mexico or toward the Florida Peninsula early next week. Those who live in and near coastal areas of the Gulf and Southeast should stay updated on Elsa’s forecast over the coming days.

This is the earliest fifth-named storm on record in the Atlantic. The previous record date was July 6, set by Edouard in 2020.

It’s important to always stay prepared as we head through the next few months. Although it’s likely we won’t see a record-breaking season like last year, we still expect an above-average one. Remember, it only takes one storm to make it a devastating season.

Warnings and Watches

The Government of Jamaica has issued a Hurricane Warning for Jamaica. 

A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic and the southern portion of Haiti. The Hurricane Warning extends from Punta Palenque to Port Au Prince. 

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Martinique, the coast of Haiti north of Port Au Prince, and in the Dominican Republic from east of Punta Palenque to Cabo Engano. 

The Government of Cuba has issued a Hurricane Watch for the provinces of Camaguey, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Las Tuna and Santiago de Cuba.  

The Meteorological Service of Barbados reported a sustained wind of 74 mph and a gust to 86 mph Friday morning.