As Tropical Storm Idalia continues on a track towards Florida, the National Hurricane Center say that Idalia could make landfall just north of Tampa as a Category 2 hurricane.
As we continue to monitor Tropical Storm Idalia, 33 of Florida's 67 counties are under a state of emergency, and as we reported earlier, storm surge and hurricane watches have been issued for portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The latest news from the National Hurricane Center is that Idalia could strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane as it makes landfall between Panama City and Tampa sometime on Wednesday.
As the storm continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters are becoming more confident that there is a risk of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle beginning as early as Tuesday.
The National Weather Service have issued a storm surge watch for Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay, with a hurricane watch in effect for Englewood to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay.
Here in Central Florida, Sumter County is under a hurricane watch, with Lake and Polk County under a tropical storm watch, although we should expect earnings to be upgraded soon to include all of Central Florida.
Athough it is too early to specify the exact location and magnitude of impacts from the storm, residents in these areas should monitor updates to the forecast and follow any advice given by local officials.
So what effects could the storm have in Central Florida?
As per the current track of the storm, impacts for Central Florida include gusty squalls, heavy rain and a risk of tornadoes Tuesday and Wednesday. However, any shift in the track eastwards could mean a much greater impact in Central Florida.
Central Florida residents should monitor updates to the forecast of this system and ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.
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