The tropical depression off the coast of Florida strengthened into a tropical storm early Wednesday and could bring strong winds and heavy rain to central and northern Florida over the next few days. The Jacksonville area, which seems the most likely place to be damaged by the storm if predictions hold true, is one of the few spots spared any serious damage from the six that have hit the state in the last 13 months.
"We have to wait and see what (Ophelia) is going to do," said Steve Letro, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville. "The possibilities are endless."
Without strong steering currents, it was impossible to say what path Ophelia would take or whether it would reach hurricane strength, Letro said. Some computer models had the storm moving farther east; others had it going west, and some showed it heading east and then looping back toward the state.
As of 11 p.m. Wednesday, Ophelia was centered 85 miles east-northeast of Cape Canaveral. It had top sustained winds of about 50 mph, up from 40 mph earlier in the day, and was nearly stationary.
A tropical storm warning, meaning winds exceeding 39 mph are possible within 24 hours, was canceled for areas south of Cocoa Beach but remained in effect north to Flagler Beach.
A tropical storm watch, meaning those conditions are possible within 36 hours, was in effect from Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach.
State and local officials are keeping an eye on Ophelia, but Lowcountry residents don't need to worry just yet, local emergency management officials said.
Meteorologist Bob Bright of the National Weather Service in Charleston said Wednesday that based on tracking models, coastal South Carolina should be relatively safe.
"At this point, if the track holds, we'll just be looking at a slight chance of showers along the (South Carolina) coast," he said.
But he said the storm is expected to become a low-level hurricane as it moves north, and if it kicks toward land, it could mean trouble.
The forecast calls for gusty winds as high as 30 mph and a chance of rain for the rest of the week. Surf conditions will be rough, with rip currents and high waves.
The Beaufort County Emergency Management Department has notified county emergency agencies about the situation.
"We want to make sure everyone is aware that a storm is out there," said director William Winn.
The county is in a state of "increased awareness," meaning authorities are checking supplies and taking inventory of key
personnel.
"We want to make sure all of our assets are in place," Winn said. "We don't want to get caught short."
During periods of increased awareness, county authorities are in frequent contact with state emergency management personnel to discuss what steps to take as a storm develops. Local agencies then receive information from the county about plans.
All departments at the Town of Hilton Head Island are reviewing their hurricane plans as well, but have not taken any action.
"We're on standby," said emergency management director Jay Harter. "Right now, there's no need for concern."