Florida Braces For Tropical Storm

Ophelia Could Dump Heavy Rains, Winds On Southeast

(CBS/AP)  Florida's Atlantic coast braced for the arrival of a tropical storm, two weeks after Hurricane Katrina first hit the state.

Tropical Storm Ophelia threatened to dump heavy rains, prompting tropical storm warnings along a 100-mile stretch from Sebastian Inlet to Flagler Beach.

"It's been kicking up a very rough surf, all across and all along the southeast coastline. There are 10-15 foot waves, we have rip currents, we may even see some beach erosion up and down the southeast coastline," said CBS News Meteorologist George Cullen.

Up to 5 inches were expected over the next few days from central Florida to southeastern Georgia, with some isolated areas possibly getting 8 inches.

The rain was expected to hit areas affected by last year's Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Much of the region has recovered but some homes remain covered in blue tarps as owners await new roofs.

At 8 a.m. EDT, Ophelia had top sustained winds of about 45 mph and was centered about 80 miles east of Cape Canaveral. It was drifting north-northwest at about 7 mph.

Ophelia's forecast appeared to keep it offshore through the weekend, though forecasters warned its path remained uncertain.