Tampa airport suspends operations as Eta closes in on Florida: Latest

Eta has weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm as it closes in on Florida, where it's expected to make landfall overnight.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for portions of the northeastern Florida coast, from the Flagler/Volusia County line up to St. Andrew Sound, Georgia.

The tropical storm warning was discontinued late Wednesday for south of Boca Grande, Florida, on the Gulf Coast.

Areas of heavy rain and strong winds will persist along portions of Florida's Gulf Coast as Eta continues to near the coast through the overnight hours. The threat of flash flooding, strong winds and some storm surge will continue leading up to landfall.

Tampa International Airport suspended all operations at 3 p.m. Operations are expected to resume Thursday by noon.

The University of Florida canceled Thursday classes as the storm closes in on Gainesville.

President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Florida on Wednesday evening.

Tampa Bay could see a storm surge of up to 5 feet. The west coast of Florida could see up to 6 inches of rain.

A tornado watch was also issued for Tampa, Fort Myers and Cedar Key.

Eta is forecast to make landfall overnight before quickly moving across northeastern Florida.

Eta will likely hold on as a minimal tropical storm through Thursday evening as it moves off the Southeast coast and then races out to sea Friday into the weekend.