Tropical Storm Idalia Monday recap: Florida shutting down, evacuating and bracing for hurricane

Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to strengthen into a major, Category 3 hurricane before making landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast perhaps early Wednesday.

And while the forecast track has shifted east over the past couple of days, with concerns mounting for the eastern Big Bend south to Tampa Bay, the coast south and west of Tallahassee could still see life-threatening storm surge.

Some Monday developments:

• Evacuations and school closures began happening in Southwest Florida and Sarasota Monday.

• All public schools in Hernando County, which encompass the Spring Hill and Weeki Wachee areas, about 50 miles north of Tampa, were closed Monday.

• Leon, Wakulla and Jefferson counties were under a tropical storm watch, though a hurricane watch was in effect for the coast from Bay County east across the Big Bend.

• As far north as Jacksonville, Duval County schools announced they would shut down Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ahead of expected Idalia impacts to Northeast Florida.

• With a possible Category 3 Idalia closing in on the Big Bend area of Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking the helm of the Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee after putting his presidential travels on pause.

Idalia and your insurance: A major hurricane is likely on its way to Florida, what to document now

5 p.m. NHC update: Not a hurricane yet, but storm surge may be higher

In the 5 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, Idalia is still holding just under hurricane strength at 70 mph but is expected to become a hurricane late this afternoon or evening. However, the storm surge predictions, already high, have increased in some areas. Forecasters warn that the Big Bend area between Aucilla River, FL to Chassahowitzka may now see storm surges of 8-12 feet.

― C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis urges Floridians to 'execute your plan now' before Idalia makes landfall

Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Floridians to make final storm preparations before Idalia makes landfall on the Gulf Coast as a major hurricane.

"Floridians should expect a major Cat 3-plus hurricane,” said DeSantis. “Go to Florida disaster.org and get a plan. This is going to be a major hurricane, powerful hurricane and is absolutely going to impact the state of Florida in many, many different ways. … Execute your plan now.”

― James Call, USA TODAY Network-Florida

The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore is coming to Florida

Longtime Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore has become synonymous with Florida hurricane coverage − though he has gone viral with his coverage of "thundersnow" and other inclement weather situations.

TV viewers recognize Cantore as an "on the ground" reporter responding to weather disasters rather than a traditional TV news meteorologist standing in front of a green screen and giving a daily weather forecast. He posted Sunday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he would be somewhere in Florida. He might be flying into Gainesville (and heading to Cedar Key) if this Monday Facebook post with Ken Block of the band Sister Hazel holds up.

― Jennifer Sangalang, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Florida U-Hauls offering free storage

U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage at 54 facilities across the state to residents who stand to be impacted by the storm.

“Having an emergency plan in place is important. U-Haul is helping by making locations available where folks can store their belongings free for up to a month,” a U-Haul official said.

― C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Is Disney closing for Idalia?

As of 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, Disney posted a hurricane update online: "Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members."

The theme park also released information about fees being withheld if a hurricane warning was issued.

― Jennifer Sangalang, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Florida schools closing across the state

Schools from Southwest Florida north up to the state capital of Tallahassee announce closures to prepare for shelter and safety.

Tampa General Hospital shores up with aquafence ahead of expected Idalia storm surge

DeSantis provides second Tropical Storm Idalia Monday update

Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents in evacuation zones to heed warnings and go, but he said you don't have to go far. Instead of trying to "outrun the storm and jam the interstate" he said there are structures on higher ground that are safe during the storm.

"Most of the threats we're going to face are from the surge," DeSantis said at the 1:45 p.m. update.

― John Gallas, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Tiny Cedar Key may be in Idalia's landfall crosshairs

Idalia could be headed for a landfall near Cedar Key, based on Monday’s forecast.

“We’re not on the coast, we’re three miles into the Gulf,” Sue Colson, a Cedar Key city commissioner told USA TODAY on Monday. “It looks bad.”

Everybody in the small island community was doing storm prep Monday, in advance of an expected evacuation, Colson said. The city and Levy County have a well-honed emergency plan, she said. The town’s residents were trailering boats out of town, and moving things to higher ground.

“We’ve done this so many times, [residents are] just going through the routine,” Colson said. “It's a lot of strikes against us, and we're just preparing for it.”

Those strikes? Back in 2016 when Hurricane Hermine devastated the town, most of the damage came from the water surge. This time, Colson said they’re expecting a high wind and high water, especially with the soon-to-come full moon elevating tides.

― Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY and Douglas Soule, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Where is Florida's Big Bend?

Florida's Big Bend is an informally named region of North Florida. Many describe it as the area where Florida's Panhandle (the east-west section of the state) transitions to the Florida Peninsula (the north-south section of the state).

Some define the area running from Wakulla County south to Pasco. Others include Tallahassee and Tampa in the Big Bend region.

There are few cities in the Big Bend area. State Road 51 will take you to Steinhatchee, population of 537 in 2020; State Road 24 will take you to Cedar Key, and its population of 700 in 2021; and State Road 40 travels from Yankeetown (with its 2021 population of 603 in 2021) to the Gulf of Mexico and Bird Creek Beach.

― Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Storm surge is a major threat from Tropical Storm Idalia

A storm surge watch is in effect for the majority of Florida's gulf coast, stretching from Chokoloskee to Indian Pass Florida, including Tampa Bay.

A storm surge watch means that a dangerous influx of water brought inland from the coast could occur in the area within the next 48 hours. The NHC warns that the deepest water will occur among the immediate coastline , but surge-related flooding can vary greatly depending on tidal timing.

The storm surge predictions vary, but the Big Bend has a scary 11-inch storm surge prediction with the approach of Tropical Storm Idalia.

― Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY

How do you pronounce Idalia?

How do you properly say Idalia? Here's how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration pronounces it and why we name our storms after people.

According to NOAA, the proper way to pronounce Hurricane Idalia's name is ee-DAL-ya. But there are other ways, and this has caused some social debate.

― Samantha Neely, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Tampa airport will be closed Tuesday

Tampa International Airport on Monday announced it will temporarily cease commercial flights and operations beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia.

The airport is expected to reopen on Thursday morning following assessments of the damage, which are set to begin once the storm passes. "The closure will allow the Airport and its partners to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment and any remaining aircraft before Idalia’s expected landfall early Wednesday as a potential major hurricane," a press release said. "Some cargo and private aircraft operations could continue overnight, but all air traffic will cease by 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. The Airport, including the Main Terminal and Airsides will be closed to all visitors and is not equipped to function as a shelter."

― Christopher Cann, USA TODAY

More Florida school districts close as Idalia approaches

Franklin County Schools announced schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday as Idalia threatens to bring heavy rain and storm surge to the area.

Dixie District Schools will close Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a Facebook post by the district.

Levy County Schools will close Tuesday and Wednesday, according to an announcement on the district’s website. Shelters will open in Bronson schools at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

― Ana Goni-Lessan and Alaijah Brown

Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie says Idalia could become Category 4 hurricane

Ana Ceballos of the Miami Herald reported via Twitter/X that Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said Idalia could reach Category 4 intensity. Category 3 hurricanes have winds of 111-129 mph; Category 4 hurricanes pack winds of 130-156 mph.

Idalia this morning had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph as it was moving north at about 8 mph some 80 miles off the western tip of Cuba. It will become a hurricane once its winds top 74 mph.

― Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat

Gov. Ron DeSantis expands state of emergency to 46 Florida counties that could be impacted by Idalia

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order this morning expanding the state of emergency because of Tropical Storm Idalia from 33 counties to 46.

The counties are Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Nassau, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia and Wakulla.

― Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat

Leon County partially activates Emergency Operations Center as Idalia's track shifts east

Leon County's Emergency Operations Center was partially activated this morning as county officials continued to prepare for Idalia. It's possible it will become fully activated over coming days.

In an email to county commissioners on Sunday evening, County Administrator Vince Long noted that Idalia's forecast track has been trending to the east of Tallahassee and Leon County. He wrote that as of Sunday afternoon, there was around a 36% chance of tropical-storm-force winds in Leon County.

"At this time, there is a 0% chance of hurricane-force winds in Leon County, which has dropped from Saturday," Long said, adding that the area could see 4 to 6 inches of rain.

Long said Public Works has begun preparing equipment to clear roads of downed trees and that teams were securing county grounds and facilities.

"Emergency Management has begun coordinating with local health care facilities to ensure emergency plans are in place and ready to go and with Leon County Schools to prepare for potential shelter needs," Long said.

― Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat

Port Tampa Bay closes to inbound vessels ahead of Idalia arrival

Port Tampa Bay announced this morning that all inbound vessel traffic is closed, though landside operations, including fueling, remains open. The port said it has been in touch with partner fuel terminal operators "and have been assured they are prepared to deliver fuel and support customers."

The U.S. Coast Guard set Port Tampa Bay's port condition to YANKEE, which means gale force winds are possible within 24 hours.

― Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat

Pasco County issued evacuation orders as school district cancels classes

Pasco County issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents who live in Zone A, who live in a mobile home or RV or who live in low-lying areas, according to Angelina Salcedo, reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. The county issued suggested evacuation orders for residents in Zones B and C and people with special needs.

Pasco County Schools also announced schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday based on the latest forecast storm track.

― Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat

President Joe Biden speaks with Gov. Ron DeSantis as Idalia zeros in on Florida

President Joe Biden told Gov. Ron DeSantis this morning that he quickly approved the emergency declaration for Florida as they prepare for Hurricane Idalia.

FEMA has pre-deployed personnel and assets, including multiple Incident Management Assistance Teams, in preparation for response efforts. FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center has also been fully activated to support any requests for federal assistance.

Biden said Florida will have his full support as they prepare for Idalia and its aftermath. The president also expressed his commitment to ongoing support for the people of Jacksonville following the horrific shooting on Saturday.

― Bart Jansen at USA TODAY

Tropical Storm Idalia expected to become Category 3 storm ahead of Florida landfall

Tropical Storm Idalia is intensifying and is expected to become a "dangerous major hurricane" before making landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast Wednesday, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

"Life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida," forecasters warned.

Hurricane conditions are possible within the hurricane watch area by late Tuesday or Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions possible by Tuesday.

— Cheryl McCloud, USA Today Network-Florida

Florida Gulf Coast drivers warned of contaminated gas as they prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia

Drivers along Florida's Gulf Coast were told they could have purchased gas contaminated with diesel fuel over the weekend, as residents in the area prepared for Tropical Storm Idalia to make landfall

Florida officials warned Sunday that any fuel purchased after 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26 at stations supplied by Citgo from the Port of Tampa has a strong likelihood of being contaminated with diesel fuel. Here's how to tell if you've been affected.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services stated that contaminated gasoline and diesel have the potential of causing engine damage or affecting operability.

— Sarasota Herald-Tribune

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Idalia Monday recap: Florida braces for Cat-3 hurricane, storm surge