Escambia County is now under a tropical storm watch.

County EMA Director David Adams made the announcement just after the 11 a.m. National Hurricane Center briefing Friday.

“A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm wind conditions are possible within the area within the next 48 hours,” Adams said. “The forecast track of Nate has shifted to the east since yesterday afternoon.  Our area now has a greater chance of experiencing tropical storm conditions.”

Adams said he will send a new update later today following a conference call with the National Weather Service.

The current forecast is predicting peak wind speeds between 35-45 miles per hour with gusts as high as 65 miles per hour Saturday evening until Sunday afternoon. Locally, two-to-four inches of rainfall is expected with the storm. The situation is also somewhat favorable for tornadoes.

“I encourage everyone to continue to monitor local media for updates,” Adams said.