Tropical Storm Idalia on the horizon as it hits Florida coast. Here's the local forecast

Krys'tal Griffin, Delaware News Journal
·2 min read

Tropical Storm Idalia is on its way to the United States, but current forecasts predict little to no impact for the region.

The storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday and is expected to hit Florida hard, likely bringing life-threatening storm surges and dangerous winds to the state after it becomes a hurricane late Monday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

A hurricane warning, tropical storm warning, storm surge watch, hurricane watch and tropical storm watch are all in effect for various portions of the state, reports NOAA.

Tropical Storm Idalia, now forecast to become a major hurricane before a landfall along Florida's northern Gulf Coast, moves closer toward the Gulf of Mexico in this image taken by NOAA satellite on the morning of Aug. 28, 2023.
Tropical Storm Idalia, now forecast to become a major hurricane before a landfall along Florida's northern Gulf Coast, moves closer toward the Gulf of Mexico in this image taken by NOAA satellite on the morning of Aug. 28, 2023.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency for nearly half of the state ahead of the storm’s touchdown in the area.

The National Hurricane Center predicts the storm will become a major hurricane (a Category 3, 4 or 5 storm or higher) before reaching the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and tropical-storm-force winds up to 70 mph. A storm becomes a Category 3 hurricane when maximum sustained winds reach 111 mph.

Storm outlook for the region

Parts of the region may see rain, but Tropical Storm Idalia will have little to no impact on the area.
Parts of the region may see rain, but Tropical Storm Idalia will have little to no impact on the area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts an increasing threat of life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds and scattered flash and urban flooding along or in portions of the west coast of Florida, the Panhandle and the Southeast beginning on Tuesday.

Aside from those cautions, NWS has not declared any storm-related weather advisories for Delaware, New Jersey or Pennsylvania, reporting “the probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.”

While the area may see some rainfall and cloudy days throughout the week, this is as far as the forecast strays from the recent stretch of sunny skies.

Southeast Maryland is expected to see localized heavy rainfall on Monday which may lead to flash flooding, especially in urban and poor drainage areas.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.   

Follow Idalia's path: Tropical Storm Idalia tracker: Follow the storm’s path as it heads toward Florida

Hurricane season tips, safety info: As hurricane season arrives in Delaware, here are some preparation and evacuation tips

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Tropical Storm Idalia to become hurricane; little impact in region