Idalia Approaches Florida as a Dangerous Major Hurricane
Latest Position and Strength
As of the Tuesday 8 a.m. update, Idalia was 135 miles west-southwest of the western tip of Cuba and 320 miles south-southwest of Tampa. Idalia had winds of 80 mph and was moving north at 14 mph. “On the forecast track, the center of Idalia is forecast to move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico today, reach the Gulf coast of Florida within the Hurricane Warning area on Wednesday, and move close to the Carolina coastline on Thursday,” the NHC said. “Rapid intensification is likely through landfall, and Idalia is forecast to become an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall on Wednesday.”
Impacts to Central Florida
- Western Marion and Sumter counties are under a hurricane warning.
- Tropical storm warnings are in effect in eastern and central Marion, Seminole, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Flagler, Volusia and Brevard.
- Hurricane conditions are expected within the hurricane warning area in Florida by late Tuesday or Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions beginning Tuesday.
- Tuesday and Wednesday will be First Warning Weather Days due to the threat Idalia poses to our area. During this time, our severe weather threat will ramp up.
- Tornadoes will be the biggest concern with anything that moves in. The highest threat will be Orlando and west.
Summary of Watches and Warnings in Effect
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for:
- Englewood northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:
- Cuban province of Pinar del Rio
- Middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Isle of Youth Cuba
- Dry Tortugas Florida
- Chokoloskee northward to the Middle of Longboat Key
- West of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach
- Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for:
- Chokoloskee northward to Englewood, including Charlotte Harbour
- Mouth of the St. Mary’s River to South Santee River South Carolina
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
- Englewood to the Middle of Longboat Key
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
- Lower Florida Keys west of the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge
- Altamaha Sound northward to South Santee River South Carolina
