Hurricane Idalia is expected to intensify on Tuesday before making landfall on Florida’s northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday morning. The storm is predicted to have the worst impacts in the state’s Big Bend area, but hazards will extend hundreds of miles from where the eye of the storm comes ashore. Some locations in Florida are already starting to experience the impacts of the hurricane.
Hurricane warnings, tropical storm warnings, storm surge warnings, and flood watches have been issued for many locations across Florida, southeast Georgia, and coastal South Carolina. The potential for strong winds, flooding rain, and a life-threatening storm surge as high as 15 feet has prompted these warnings.
In Tampa, the Tampa Bay area remains under a hurricane warning. The greatest threat is a potentially life-threatening storm surge, with flooding, wind damage, and tornadoes also possible. The worst impacts are expected from Tuesday evening through Wednesday. The storm surge could reach 4 to 7 feet above normally dry land, especially if it coincides with high tide. A flood watch is also in effect due to the potential for 4 to 8 inches of rain, with locally heavier amounts possible. The peak sustained wind forecast is 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 70 mph.
Tallahassee is also under a hurricane warning, with flooding and destructive winds being the greatest threats. Tornadoes are also possible. The worst impacts are expected from Tuesday night through Wednesday evening. A flood watch is in effect due to the potential for 3 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts possible. The peak sustained winds are forecasted to reach 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. However, residents are warned to prepare for much stronger gusts, possibly exceeding 110 mph.
Sarasota remains under a storm surge warning, tropical storm warning, and a hurricane watch. Storm surge impacts are already occurring, and the worst impacts, including flooding rain, strong winds, and possibly tornadoes, are expected from Tuesday night through Wednesday evening. The peak sustained wind forecast is 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up
How can public agencies effectively communicate and prepare residents across the hundreds of miles beyond the storm’s center to ensure their safety and minimize potential damage caused by Hurricane Idalia
Hurricane Idalia is anticipated to strengthen on Tuesday and is set to reach the northern Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday morning. While the storm is expected to have the most severe consequences in Florida’s Big Bend area, its dangers will extend over hundreds of miles beyond the location of the storm’s center.
Stay safe everyone! Don’t underestimate the power of this storm.
Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone in Florida. Stay strong!