Tropical Storm Zeta – Update #1 – 10/25/2020

University of Florida officials are actively Tropical Storm Zeta, and much remains unknown about its path. Here’s what we know today: 

Tropical storm conditions are expected in portions of the northern Yucatan Peninsula on Monday night and early Tuesday with possible hurricane conditions. 

Heavy rainfall is expected on Wednesday across portions of central and western Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the northeast Yucatan Peninsula, southeastern Florida and the Keys. Rainfall may lead to flash flooding in urban areas.

Tropical Storm Zeta currently poses a threat of heavy rainfall in South Florida and the Keys. Flood watches remain in effect for coastal southeast Florida until Monday evening. 

Zeta could be at or just below hurricane strength when it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday with storm surge, rainfall, damaging winds and tornadoes possible in Florida’s Panhandle and Big Bend mid-week. 

UF units with operations in Florida’s Panhandle should review plans, be ready to implement them if watches or warnings are issued and should closely monitor forecasts and follow guidance from local officials.

No tropical storm warnings or watches are currently in place for Alachua County, and no operation changes are anticipated for the UF campus in Gainesville. We will continue to monitor and update the UF community on expected impacts or schedule changes as information becomes available. 

For additional information, please visit the National Hurricane Center.