Tropical Storm Elsa is right on schedule and will start impacting the Seacoast Friday morning with the heaviest rain of the storm in the middle of the day.

The storm so far has brought bands of heavy wind and rain to New Jersey as it tracked over Cape May and Atlantic counties in the southernmost areas of the state. Coastal areas were seeing wind gusts to 70 mph along the shore. Brief rotations in the clouds led to Tornado Warnings being issued that were quickly canceled.

With sustained winds of 50 mph, Elsa is moving to the northeast at 31 mph which is projected to take her over the eastern end of Long Island and across Cape Cod meaning much less of a dramatic impact on the Seacoast.

"You're going to get some bursts of heavy rain today. I don't think the wind is really going to be an issue. You might see some gusts out of the east to 25 mph. That's not really a big deal at this point," National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Cempa told Seacoast Current.

Showers will pick up in intensity during the morning with the heaviest of the rain falling between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. totaling about an inch in most areas leading to some localized flooding,  according to Cempa. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the entire Seacoast through Friday evening.

"Locally some places could get three inches of rain but overall one inch is the better estimate," Cempa said.

"Be aware of the local weather forecast and know what to do if flooding does occur,” Dover Fire Chief Paul Haas said in a statement for the city.

Haas said if flooding occurs, get to higher ground immediately.

If motorists encounter a flooded roadway, they should turn around. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Haas also reminds residents to check drains and gutters to ensure they are clear of debris before heavy rains begin.

New Hampshire Electric Power in a tweet at 10:15 a.m. said it is working to restore power to customers in Danville, Fremont and Sandown.

The city of Portsmouth outdoor pool was closed on Friday due to the heavy rain from Elsa but is expected to reopen on Saturday. The DCR also prohibited swimming at Salisbury Beach

Hampton Fire Dept. moved its Marine 1 into a winter slip for the storm
Hampton Fire Dept. moved it's Marine 1 into a winter slip for the storm (Hampton Fire Department)
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As the storm pulls away from the coast  High Surf Advisory is in effect from 5 p.m. Friday to 11 a.m. Saturday for large breaking waves of 5-8 feet which will create dangerous swimming and surfing conditions. Inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water.

Projected track of Elsa as of 5 a.m. Friday
Projected track of Elsa as of 5 a.m. Friday (NOAA)
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Dan Zarrow contributed to this report

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH

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