As Tropical Storm Idalia continues to intensify, the storm could hit Florida as a huge Category 4 Hurricane, with residents being urged to prepare now.
As we continue to monitor Tropical Storm Idalia, the storm continues to intensify and is now forecast to be a major hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico Tuesday/Wednesday before making landfall between Tampa Bay and the Big Bend area sometime late Tuesday into early Wednesday.
In the latest update Monday afternoon from the National Hurricane Center, Idalia is now nearing the western tip of Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, moving north at 8 mph,.
The National Hurricane Center are urging residents to prepare now, as life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for large portions of the Florida Gulf Coast where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect, including Tampa Bay & the Big Bend. Residents in these areas should follow advice from local officials.
Currently Idalia is still considered a tropical storm, but it is forecast to become a hurricane later today, Monday. The National Hurricane Center say that as the storm continues on its probable collision course with Florida.
While the National Hurricane Center are still currently predicting a major category 3 storm, the Florida Division of Emergency Management are planning for the storm to hit the west coast of Florida as a huge category 4 storm
Already today we have seen Tampa International Airport, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Zoo Tampa announce that they are closing ahead of the storm coming shore.
Here in Central Florida, Sunrail will suspend serviced from midnight tonight as the main threats across central Florida include strong gusty winds, especially in squalls, rainfall amounts 2 to 3 inches with locally higher totals of 4 to 5 inches, and a few tornadoes.
Today is the best day for final preparations related to Idalia. Your emergency kit should contain a minimum of 3 days worth of food and water, a first aid kit, phone charger, batteries, a NOAA weather radio, medicine, and extra clothes. Don’t forget about children or pets too.
For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day.
Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando.
Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts.
Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses.
Please Note:
We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site
Comments