Storm surge, hurricane watches issued for parts of Florida ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia
5 p.m. Update:
Meteorologist George Waldenberger said storm surge and hurricane watches have now been issued for parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
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According to the National Hurricane Center, a storm surge watch has been issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay.
A hurricane watch has been issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Englewood to Indian Pass including Tampa Bay.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida, south of Englewood to Chokoloskee, and for the Dry Tortugas.
The forecast intensity is expected to be a Category 2 hurricane by landfall.
11 a.m. Update:
Readings from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Hunter show that the system once called Tropical Depression 10 has strengthened into Tropical Storm Idalia.
The system continues to meander near the Yucatan Peninsula and is expected to continue strengthen as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico Sunday, according to an update from the National Weather Service.
According to an 11 a.m. update, Idalia’s maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 40 miles-per-hour with stronger gusts.
Meteorologist Kassandra Crimi says the cyclone will linger near Mexico and Cuba for the next 24 to 36 hours and is expected to strengthen further into a hurricane early next week.
The current projection has the storm reaching Florida early Wednesday morning near Perry, just to the southeast of Tallahassee.
Latest advisory from the NHC, who also released an update after the advisory: Observations from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that TD Ten has strengthened into Tropical Storm Idalia. Max.winds are estimated at 40 mph with higher gusts. Stay informed and have a plan. pic.twitter.com/zrRARL1Diz
— Titusville Fire Dept (@TitusvilleFire) August 27, 2023
The forecast calls for gusty squalls, heavy rain and a risk of tornadoes Tuesday and Wednesday. However, a shift in the track towards the east could mean a greater impact in Central Florida.
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According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, hazardous marine and beach conditions could develop as early as Monday.
It’ll be another hot day in Central Florida Sunday with the high temperature in Orlando expected to reach 94-degrees with a possibility of isolated showers and storms in the afternoon.
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There will be an increasing chance of rain heading into Monday and the middle of the week with impacts possible from the tropical system moving into the Gulf of Mexico.
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