As Tropical Storm Idalia targets Florida, Franklin becomes Category 4 hurricane
The National Hurricane Center is tracking three systems in the Atlantic basin: Tropical Storm Idalia, Hurricane Franklin and a tropical wave expected to move off the coast of Africa.
Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast Wednesday.
"Life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida," the National Hurricane Center said.
A hurricane warning was issued Monday morning for portions of Florida Gulf Coast and a tropical storm watch was issued for the east coast of Florida from Sebastian Inlet north.
Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia and urged all residents to be prepared.
Hurricane Franklin became the season's first major hurricane this morning. Winds have jumped to 145 mph.
Idalia forecast: Florida faces a major hurricane threat; prepare now | WeatherTiger
Idalia targeting Florida: Tropical Storm Idalia expected to be 'dangerous major hurricane' before Florida landfall
Farther east, a tropical wave moving off the coast of Africa has a medium chance of becoming a tropical depression later this week.
The next named storm of the season will be Jose.
Here's the latest update from the NHC as of 2 p.m.:
Tropical Storm Idalia
Location: 400 miles southwest of Naples
Maximum wind speed: 70 mph
Direction: north at 8 mph
➤ Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Idalia
Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Idalia
Hurricane Franklin
Location: 561 miles east of West Palm Beach
Maximum wind speed: 145 mph
Direction: north at 9 mph
➤ Spaghetti models for Hurricane Franklin
Spaghetti models for Hurricane Franklin
What else is out there and where are they?
Disturbance 1: A tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa in the next day or so.
How likely is it to strengthen?
Disturbance 1: Environmental conditions appear marginally favorable for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form later this week while the system moves westward or west-northwestward across the eastern tropical Atlantic.
Formation chance through 48 hours: low, near 0 percent.
Formation chance through seven days: medium, 50 percent.
Who is likely to be impacted?
Tropical Storm Idalia: The entire Gulf Coast and some inland areas need to prepare for dangerous storm surge, flooding and destructive winds.
Hurricane Franklin: Indirect impacts to the east coast of the U.S. include rough surf and rip currents, according to AccuWeather.
It's too early at this time to determine if there will be any impact to the U.S. from the tropical wave.
Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared.
Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida
When is the Atlantic hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
When is the peak of hurricane season?
The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center.
Tropical forecast over the next seven days
Excessive rainfall forecast
What's out there?
Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center.
What's next?
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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Tropical Storm Idalia, Hurricane Franklin. What's happening in tropics
