National Hurricane Center Issues Advisory for Tropical Storm Idalia
The National Hurricane Center has released its 2:00 p.m. intermediate advisory for Tropical Storm Idalia. The storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour and is moving north at a speed of 2 miles per hour.
While the storm’s impact is expected to be felt in the Big Bend/Panhandle area, Southwest Florida is also likely to experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and some beach erosion on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Weather Authority Meteorologists have predicted that storm surge and wind watches will likely be required for portions of the Florida west coast later on Sunday.
Tropical Storm Idalia is currently affecting western Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula with heavy rains. It is projected to strengthen into a hurricane on Tuesday as it approaches the eastern Gulf of Mexico, potentially impacting Florida.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, including Cozumel Pinar del Rio Cuba. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the region.
According to the NHC, the rainfall predictions for the affected areas are as follows:
– Portions of the eastern Yucatan: 2 to 4 inches, with isolated higher totals of 6 inches.
– Western Cuba: 3 to 6 inches, with isolated higher totals of 10 inches.
– Portions of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Georgia: 3 to 6 inches, with isolated higher totals of 10 inches from Tuesday into Wednesday.
– Heavy rainfall is also expected to spread into portions of the Carolinas from Wednesday into Thursday.
The NHC classifies storms as follows:
– Tropical Depression: Maximum sustained winds of 38 miles per hour or less.
– Tropical Storm: Maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour.
– Hurricane: Maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher.
– Major Hurricane: Maximum sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or higher, equivalent to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The Weather Authority will continue to provide updates on the development of Tropical Storm Idalia and its potential impact on the Gulf Coast.