Projected Path and Timeline of Hurricane Idalia: Anticipated Impact of the Storm on Florida

Hurricane Idalia is rapidly intensifying and expected to become an extremely dangerous major hurricane before making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The hurricane is forecasted to move close to the Carolina coastline on Thursday. Currently, Idalia is located over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and its projected path will impact a wide central portion of the state, including cities like Tampa and Orlando.

As of Tuesday morning, Idalia was approximately 85 miles north of the western tip of Cuba and about 370 miles south-southwest of Tampa. It is moving north at a speed of 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, just above the threshold to be classified as a hurricane. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that Idalia is expected to reach at least Category 3 strength before making landfall.

Communities along Florida’s Gulf Coast are under various severe weather advisories, including hurricane and tropical storm warnings and watches, as well as storm surge warnings and watches. The National Weather Service warns of the increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds along the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle starting as early as late Tuesday. Storm surge watches and hurricane watches are in effect for large portions of the area.

Idalia poses a significant threat to many coastal areas in Florida. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines storm surge as a rise in water levels caused by hurricane-force winds pushing water toward the shore, which can lead to significant flooding. Areas from Cape Sable in the Everglades to the Florida Keys may experience storm surges up to two or three feet above ground level. Coastal areas further up the coast, including much of northwestern Florida and the Panhandle, may face surges up to 11 feet.

In addition to storm surge threats, the National Weather Service warns of flash and urban flooding across parts of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Georgia, with the potential for locally significant flooding. The hurricane center also cautions about the possibility of strong wind gusts and increasing tornado threats in eastern parts of the state.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Franklin, located in the western Atlantic, is expected to pass well to the northwest of Bermuda on Wednesday. It is a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140 mph, bringing life-threatening surf and rip currents along the southeastern U.S. coastline. Franklin is not projected to make landfall in Florida but may cause rough surf conditions and rip currents.

Residents in areas under hurricane warnings are urged to prepare for the onset of conditions within the next 12 to 24 hours. Those in storm surge watch areas should also be prepared for the possibility of life-threatening inundation in the next 48 hours.

Idalia is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday as a major hurricane. Afterward, it will continue northeastwards over Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, gradually weakening. Hurricane Franklin, on the other hand, will not hit Florida but may bring high seas, rough surf, and rip currents along the coast.

As the hurricanes approach, residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and follow instructions from local officials to ensure their safety.

Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-08-29 07:25:00