Tropical Storm Idalia continues to move towards Florida (WEAR)
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WEAR) — Tropical Depression 10 formed into Tropical Storm Idalia Sunday morning. It enters the Gulf Monday and is moving towards Florida where it is forecast to become a hurricane by Tuesday.
Tropical Storm Idalia continues to meander off the coast of the Yucatan and western Cuba, just outside the southern Gulf of Mexico. It should pick up northerly speed through the early work week for possible impacts beginning Tuesday into Wednesday for the Florida Gulf Coast.
Idalia is forecast to become a hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and there is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge, flooding from heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle beginning as early as Tuesday.
Although it is too soon to specify the exact location and magnitude of these impacts, residents in these areas should monitor updates to the forecast, have their hurricane plan in place and follow any advice given by local officials. Storm surge and hurricane watches may be required for portions of the Gulf coast of Florida later today.
Impacts look to begin as early as Tuesday for portions of the Florida coast shaded in the cone of uncertainty, although risks can be possible outside the cone, especially on the east side of the storm. Peak impacts may arrive late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning/afternoon.
There’s still changes to come on the track for Idalia, given the model spread above within the large cone of uncertainty. The intensity forecast will also see changes as well. While a Category 1 hurricane is in the forecast right now, warmer than normal water temperature suggests further strengthening will be possible. Those in the Florida Panhandle around the Big Bend & down the western coast need to take this storm seriously.
There is also Hurricane Franklin in the Atlantic and one other spot off Africa with formation chances. Franklin is the second hurricane of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season and is forecast to become a Category 4 hurricane. It is currently no threat to the United States.