'Look, don't touch,' St. Lucie officials urge caution while Tropical Storm Isaias passes

ST. LUCIE COUNTY — County officials urged caution to anyone thinking about going to the beach to watch the rough surf and waves.

"Look, don't touch," advised County Administrator Howard Tipton during a video update of the impact of Tropical Storm Isaias Sunday afternoon. Lifeguards are not on duty, he said. 

Tipton urged people to continue to shelter in place, especially Sunday afternoon, when winds could increase. 

"Let's get through this afternoon safely," he said. 

The storm is expected to remain a tropical storm off the Florida Coast, with tropical-storm-force winds starting off the Treasure Coast between 2 and 8 p.m., according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. 

Strong winds would primarily affect the barrier island, with 50-60 mph winds and damaging winds of up to 70 mph, Tipton said. 

The county's Emergency Operations Center is transitioning from a Level 1 to a Level 2, he said.  Level 2 is mid-range. It involves some staff from the area and from the EOC. Level 1 is the highest; a 24-hour operation.

The county's face covering ordinance remains in effect, so anyone going out should wear a face covering, Tipton said. 

Tracking Isaias: Latest news from Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River in Florida

The latest updates: Isaias slows: Storm surge warning discontinued for Florida