Idalia is forecast to intensify into a hurricane today as it slowly moves northward, passing between the Yucatan Peninsula and the western tip of Cuba. The current forecast highlights the increasing likelihood of rapid intensification of the storm as it approaches Florida. On the current forecast track, Idalia would make landfall between Tampa and the Big Bend region of Florida on Wednesday morning, possibly as a major hurricane. Thereafter, Idalia is forecast to track along or near the Georgia and South Carolina coast as a Tropical Storm Wednesday through Thursday morning.
TIMING:
The greatest impacts for southeast Georgia Carolina are expected to occur Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.
HAZARDS & IMPACTS:
Details regarding the track, intensity, and timing of Idalia are still being refined. However, confidence in the following impacts is increasing:
Heavy rainfall: 4 - 8 inches of rain possible across SE GA/SC.
Strong, gusty winds: The probability of tropical storm-force winds continues to increase, especially along the coast. Hurricane conditions are possible across portions of the GA Atlantic waters.
Storm surge/coastal flooding: Based on the timing of the current forecast track, the Wednesday evening (~8:30 PM) high tide cycle could produce the highest water levels.
Rip currents, high surf, and possibly significant beach erosion.
Risk for tornadoes across the coastal counties of SE GA Wed. and Wed. night.
BULLETIN
Tropical Storm Idalia Intermediate Advisory Number 7A
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL102023
700 AM CDT Mon Aug 28 2023
...IDALIA FORECAST TO BECOME A HURRICANE WHEN IT NEARS WESTERN
CUBA LATER TODAY...
...LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE AND DANGEROUS WINDS BECOMING
INCREASINGLY LIKELY FOR PORTIONS OF FLORIDA...
SUMMARY OF 700 AM CDT...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...20.6N 85.2W
ABOUT 90 MI...150 KM S OF THE WESTERN TIP OF CUBA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...N OR 360 DEGREES AT 8 MPH...13 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...989 MB...29.21 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:
None.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Cuban province of Pinar del Rio
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, including Cozumel
* Isle of Youth Cuba
* Dry Tortugas Florida
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for...
* Chokoloskee to Indian Pass Florida, including Tampa Bay
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Englewood to Indian Pass Florida, including Tampa Bay
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* South of Englewood to Chokoloskee Florida
* Lower Florida Keys west of the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge
A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected
somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next
12-24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be
rushed to completion.
A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-
threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the
coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.
For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather
Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov.
A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible
within the watch area.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are
expected somewhere within the warning area.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are
possible within the watch area.
Interests along the southeastern U.S. coast should monitor the
progress of this system. Additional watches and warnings will
likely be required later this morning.
For storm information specific to your area in the United
States, including possible inland watches and warnings, please
monitor products issued by your local National Weather Service
forecast office. For storm information specific to your area
outside of the United States, please monitor products issued by
your national meteorological service.