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Tropical Storm Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 7 National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL102023 534 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 This product covers East Central Florida **Tropical Storm Idalia Forecast to Strengthen into a Hurricane as it Moves Into the Southeastern Gulf of Mexico Later Today** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Orange, Osceola, and Seminole * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Northern Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake * STORM INFORMATION: - About 640 miles south-southwest of Leesburg FL - 20.1N 85.2W - Storm Intensity 65 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 7 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ The center of Tropical Storm Idalia is located around 125 miles south of the tip of western Cuba early this morning. Idalia is moving north at about 7 mph, with a continued northward motion expected today and Tuesday. The storm is currently forecast to approach the Florida Gulf coast Tuesday night into Wednesday as a major hurricane. Preparations should be ongoing for at least tropical storm conditions by mid week. A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Lake, Seminole, Orange and Osceola Counties, where confidence is highest in tropical storm conditions occurring. Additional watches may be necessary for portions of east-central Florida later this morning. Showers, squalls and thunderstorms associated with outer rain bands from Idalia may reach central Florida by late this afternoon, with conditions further deteriorating Tuesday afternoon and evening as Idalia accelerates north-northeastward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. As coverage of showers and squalls increases Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, the possibility of strong to damaging wind gusts will also increase. Tropical storm force winds are forecast to extend outward from the storm's center, potentially reaching interior portions of east-central Florida Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Based on the current forecast track, Idalia will make its closest pass to east-central Florida late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, continuing northeastward during the day on Wednesday. While the heaviest rainfall from Idalia is currently forecast to fall along the Gulf Coast and western Florida Peninsula, gusty squalls will be capable of torrential downpours, especially Tuesday and Wednesday over Lake County. One to two inches of rain from Monday afternoon through Wednesday night is expected for coastal areas and Okeechobee County and two to four inches are expected west of I-95 from Brevard and Osceola Counties northward, with locally higher amounts possible. Locations in closer proximity to the center of Idalia, such as Lake County in east-central Florida, may receive higher rainfall totals. In addition to strong wind gusts, a threat for tornadoes is forecast to develop as the center of Idalia moves into the eastern Gulf of Mexico from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday. Incoming swell from Hurricane Franklin combined with winds from Idalia will lead to high seas, rough surf, an increase in life- threatening rip currents, and beach erosion Tuesday into Wednesday. Do not let your guard down, especially in locations outside of the current Tropical Storm Watch. Impacts from Idalia will be felt far from the center of the storm. Now is the time to ensure your hurricane supply kit is stocked and your safety plan is in place. As Idalia becomes better organized through this afternoon, additional changes to the current forecast are possible. Eastward shifts in the forecast track would increase the potential for local impacts, so continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across portions of east central Florida. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across portions of east central Florida. Potential impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across portions of east central Florida. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * SURGE: Direct surge impacts from Idalia are not currently anticipated at this time. However, larger swells and surf combined with Hurricane Franklin will bring a threat for minor coastal flooding and beach erosion.Locations more vulnerable to coastal flooding and beach erosion, such as portions of the Volusia County coast, should stay updated on the latest forecasts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Melbourne FL around 12 Noon EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ Cristaldi Quick Link |