JACKSONVILLE, FLA. ? Brisk wind and forceful rain from Tropical Storm Ophelia moved through Jacksonville, sending tourists scurrying inland and driving surfers out of the churning Atlantic.

The tropical depression off the coast strengthened into a tropical storm early Wednesday and could bring strong winds and heavy rain to central and northern Florida over the next few days.

Without strong steering currents, it was impossible to say what path Ophelia would take or whether it would reach hurricane strength.