MIAMI, FL (352today.com) – The latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicates Tropical Storm Idalia has intensified overnight and is now expected to be a Category 3 hurricane when it makes landfall on Wednesday morning.
As of 5 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28, Idalia was located 125 miles south of the western tip of Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph.
Idalia is forecast to become a hurricane later on Monday and a dangerous major hurricane by early Wednesday as it gathers fuel from the deep, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service (NWS) office out of Jacksonville – which is the office that covers the 352 – says local impacts from Idalia will begin on Tuesday afternoon and evening, as spiral rain bands begin to spread over our region. Heavy rainfall will continue through the day Wednesday. Tornadoes will be possible across the area on Tuesday night and Wednesday, with higher chances along and east of the Idalia’s eye.
Sustained tropical storm force winds will begin to be felt across north central Florida and the Suwannee Valley during the overnight or predawn hours on Wednesday, with conditions deteriorating quickly towards sunrise, when hurricane force wind gusts will be possible.
Emergency management advises Floridians to be done with storm preparations by Monday evening as tropical storm force winds will make it difficult or dangerous to work outside.
The NHC expects Idalia to produce 4 to 8 inches of rain for portions of the west coast of Florida starting Tuesday into Thursday. Isolated higher totals of 12 inches possible, primarily near landfall in northern Florida. Storm surge and hurricane watches are in effect for portions of the west coast of Florida and the coast of the Florida Panhandle.
The NHC provides forecast updates every six hours – at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. daily. We will provide that information here until the threat from Idalia passes.