Brevard Braces as Tropical Storm Watch Goes Into Effect, Expect Wind Gusts Near 45 MPH, Rough Surf

worst of the weather is expected to arrive Sunday

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The Story
■ Sunday and Monday are Impact Days with Tropical Storm Watches for our coastal locales.
■ Wind gusts on the beaches could rise up to 40 mph or so with sustained wind between 20–30 mph.
■ There’s also the potential for some coastal flooding with heavy rain expected.

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Sunday afternoon into Monday night is likely when we will see the worst of the conditions as Imelda moves by just to our east, but surf conditions will stay rough through much of the upcoming week.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — On Saturday morning, residents on the Space Coast awoke to the news they know all too well: a tropical storm watch was now in effect along Florida’s east coast.

Tropical Storm Nine is creeping northward through the Caribbean and has not yet reached full strength, but forecasters warn it won’t stay that way for long. The storm is expected to intensify into Tropical Storm Imelda by the time it passes offshore.

By late Sunday into early Monday, the worst of the weather is expected to sweep across Brevard, easing as the storm pushes farther north.

“It may not be a hurricane, but tropical storms can still pack a dangerous punch,” said a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne. “Wind gusts near 45 miles per hour, rough surf, and a quick dump of rainfall are very possible for coastal Brevard.”

Brevard County officials urged residents not to panic but to take the watch seriously. Emergency management reminded barrier island residents that causeway access could be restricted if winds climb higher than expected.

“We aren’t calling for evacuations right now,” said Brevard County Emergency Management Director John Scott. “But the key is readiness. If you wait until the winds are howling, you’ve waited too long.”

What to Expect

Forecast models suggest the storm will skirt parallel to Florida’s east coast, mainly remaining offshore. Still, forecasters stress that even a slight shift westward could mean more substantial impacts.

Winds: Gusts up to 40–45 mph along the coast, with lighter but steady breezes inland.

Rainfall: 1 to 2 inches across the county, with heavier bursts possible in pockets.

Coastal hazards: Include waves climbing 6 to 10 feet, dangerous rip currents, and a risk of minor flooding during high tide.

By late Sunday into early Monday, the worst of the weather is expected to sweep across Brevard, easing as the storm pushes farther north.

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