Currently brushing the southern tip of Florida, Tropical Storm Gordon is maintaining strong winds of 45 mph with higher gusts and is expected to strengthen over the next 36 to 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The NHC’s 11 a.m. update reported that Gordon will possibly reach near-hurricane strength by the time it makes landfall over the central Gulf Coast.

The Storm Surge Watch has been extended eastward from the Mississippi-Alabama border to Navarre, Florida, and a Hurricane Watch has been issued from the Mouth of the Pearl River to the Alabama-Florida Border.

The Tropical Storm Warning has also been extended eastward to the Okaloosa-Walton County Line.

“The primary impact of this storm is still expected to be heavy rain,” Florida Governor Rick Scott said on Twitter. “Please listen to local news reports and continue to monitor the weather. Stay vigilant.”

While heavy rain is expected in the Jacksonville area, it is not expected to be a result of Gordon.

Spinnaker will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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