The National Weather Service has reported that tropical storm Ernesto is weakening over the Florida peninsula today (Aug. 30).

While sustained winds associated with the storm have decreased to 40mph, the National Weather Service warns of a strong potential for tornadoes. Bands of heavy rainfall accompany the storm, and isolated areas in south and central Florida have the potential to receive up to ten inches of rain. A storm surge of one to three feet near the coast is also expected.

Ernesto is expected to move north along the Florida peninsula, with the center of the storm briefly returning to the Atlantic along the state’s northeast coast. The National Weather Service then projects the storm’s return to land in South Carolina, and its continued movement through the eastern states, curving slightly west. Current projections show the storm’s center in southern North Carolina early Friday, with remnants arriving in Pennsylvania by Saturday.

In response to the impending storm, the Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Industry, temporarily suspended intrastate health requirements for horses being evacuated from areas expected to be affected. Georgia and Alabama also suspended their requirements, allowing Florida horses to evacuate across state lines