A supermoon is coming. Here’s how it could impact Hurricane Idalia's storm surge

Both a hurricane and a supermoon moon are headed to Florida this Wednesday, creating a recipe for disaster for the Gulf of Mexico during high tide.

Idalia became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday morning as it approached Florida's west side, causing concern for powerful storm surge for coastal areas from Apalachee Bay to Naples.

Just as Idalia will make its arrival, residents might be able to spot the rare Blue Supermoon among the clouds in the night sky, exacerbating the tide situation. Here's how supermoon affect the tides and how it will impact storm surge this week.

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What is a Super Moon?

A supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth at the same time it is full. Due to its proximity to the Earth, it appears larger and brighter.

What is the difference between a full moon and a supermoon?

While full moons happen once every lunar cycle, which is once every 29.5 days, supermoons only usually happen between three and four times a year.

The other major difference is the size since supermoons are closer to the Earth. Though a supermoon is technically bigger and brighter than a full Moon, it only appears about 7% larger.

What supermoon is headed our way this week?

The "Blue Supermoon" will rise in the sky starting on Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 222,023 miles from Earth. It is scheduled to reach its peak at 9:36 p.m.

According to astrology experts, the rare supermoon symbolizes change, transformation, and new beginnings. It is also considered a powerful time to set intentions, release negative energy, and manifest abundance.

When's the next supermoon for this year?

The Harvest Supermoon will be the final supermoon of 2023 on Friday, Sept. 29.

How can supermoons affect the tides?

The moon’s gravitational pull is the main reason we have tides (long-period waves) on Earth, with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration further simplifying by saying that "the ocean is 'pulled' back and forth as the moon and the sun interact with the Earth in their monthly and yearly orbits."

While a full moon can make both high and low tide more extreme, an even larger "supermoon" can push the tides into overdrive.

Supermoons can lead to "King Tides" which is a non-scientific term often used to describe exceptionally high tides. These high-than-usual waves typically occur during a new or full moon and when the Moon is at its perigee, or during specific seasons around the country.

According to Inside Science, this can heighten the risk of coastal flooding and erosion.

What is storm surge?

Storm surge is the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm’s winds pushing water onshore.

Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.

Will high tides from the supermoon have any impact on storm surge?

With high tide usually a bit higher when the moon is full, experts and storm trackers are expecting that storm surge flooding could be increased if it occurs around the time of high tide. If a storm arrives during a lunar high tide, the water level will be even higher, combining to create a storm tide.

"I​n the Big Bend area of Florida, there will be a low tide in the morning and then a high tide around midday. Therefore, the timing of landfall earlier in the morning would lower storm surge, while a midday landfall could increase storm surge levels," Weather Channel Meteorologist Linda Lam wrote.

Other meteorologists online chimed in their warnings about the tides, noting that high tides will occur in the early morning hours of Wednesday and again on Wednesday afternoon.

What parts of Florida are most risk for storm surge from Hurricane Idalia?

Storm surges will reach their peak. A storm surge of 7 to 11 feet is possible for the eastern Apalachee Bay and along the Nature Coast, with 6-9 feet projected from Chassahowitzka to Anclote River and 4-7 feet projected for Tampa Bay.

Other areas along the Gulf Coast may see storm surges from 2-5 feet. Even the east coast, from the state border to the Flagler-Volusia line, may see storm surges up to 3 feet.

How can I protect myself against storm surge?

When you’re at risk from storm surge or flooding, NOAA officials recommend residents to get to high ground away from bodies of water and any flood-prone areas. Evacuate ahead of time if they're told to do so. Never drive through floodwaters or compromised bridges, always pay attention to any barriers and signage along the evacuation routes.

"If your house becomes flooded and you’re still there, get higher in your house to escape the flood waters. If the highest floor of your home becomes dangerous, get on the roof and call 911," NOAA writes online.

They do remind that wind can be very destructive and deadly in hurricanes, as well as stronger higher above ground level. To protect yourself from wind, the best thing residents can do is "put as many walls as possible between you and the outside."

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Hurricane Idalia's storm surge strengthen by supermoon. Here's why