Escambia County Emergency Management Agency Director David Adams said this afternoon that Tropical Storm Nate is forecast to increase speed and move into the Gulf of Mexico late Friday night.

“The track has shifted slightly to the west,” Adams said. “Our entire area is still in the forecast cone. Nate is forecast to become a hurricane, but peak intensity is still uncertain.”

Adams said watches are possible for portions of the northern Gulf Coast later today or Friday morning.

He said the likely time the storm will arrive with tropical storm force wins is late Saturday and into Sunday morning. The National Weather Service forecasted the same earlier today.

“Any impact for Escambia County will be slightly later,” he said.

Adams said the current rainfall forecast for the area is between 1.5-2 inches. He said Nate is forecasted to move through in a quick manner, which should limit higher rainfall.

“There is a marginal threat for tornadoes by late Saturday night and into Sunday morning,” he said. “It is still too early to determine if we will see significant local impacts. Please review your emergency plans and monitor local radio and TV stations for local forecast changes and possible watches and/or warnings.”