(CNN) — A tropical storm forming near Tampa, Florida, is threatening heavy rain, strong winds and possible flash flooding.
Tropical Storm Emily, as the National Hurricane Center has named it, is now about 45 miles west-southwest of Tampa. The storm is expected to track across the Florida peninsula over the next 24 hours, forecasters said.
“We are working closely with the National Hurricane Center and continuing to monitor the storm’s development and its potential impacts to Florida,” Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement on Monday.
The rain, winds and flooding are expected to affect southern and central Florida. A tropical storm warning has been issued for the west coast of Florida from Anclote River southward to Bonita Beach.
Emily is expected to produce two to four inches of rain Monday night along the west coast of central Florida, between the Tampa Bay area and Naples, according to the 8 a.m. National Hurricane Center advisory. In some isolated areas, up to eight inches of rain are possible.
In other areas across central and south Florida, one to two inches of rain is expected, with four inches possible in some areas.
The state has been monitoring the storm system since it was a tropical depression.
Gov. Scott and Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon urged residents to make the proper preparations for the storm. They advised people to visit the FL GetAPlan.com website for resources and information.
