Hurricane Idalia Reaches Category 2 Strength
By Tampa Bay Living Magazine staff
Idalia strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane on Tuesday, with winds up to 100 mph and higher gusts. Weather experts predict dangerous storm surge and strong winds as Idalia slams into Florida. Landfall is anticipated in the Big Bend region on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Western and Central Florida, the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia face tornado risks from Wednesday into Thursday, as flash floods are forecast to strike the Carolinas. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), nearly half of hurricane-related fatalities are caused by storm surge, which inundate low-lying areas.
On Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center warned that Idalia would likely bring potentially catastrophic winds in excess of 115 mph. The storm will also bring heavy rain, tornadoes and flooding to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Weather experts predict further strengthening until Idalia makes landfall, becoming a “major hurricane” (Category 3 or higher) by late Tuesday. Weather experts say shifts in the hurricane’s path to the west or east are still possible. According to NOAA, wind speeds must reach at least 111 mph to be considered a major hurricane.
Hurricane Idalia is already causing widespread disruptions in Florida, with airports, schools and hospitals closing, and evacuations ordered in multiple counties. 46 Florida counties are under states of emergency ahead of the storm. The Florida National Guard has been activated, and power outages are expected. Navy ships have also left the area.
On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to prepare for “major impacts” along the Gulf Coast. He warned that the storm would impact areas from Tampa to Tallahassee. However, residents elsewhere in the state can still be affected outside the forecast cone.
Tips for hurricane preparations and what to do after the storm are available here.
Idalia’s Current Impacts in the Tampa Bay Area
In response to the storm, the Florida National Guard activated more than 5,000 members.
Navy ships have begun leaving Florida ahead of Hurricane Idalia's landfall.
HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital, HCA Florida Trinity West Hospital and HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital are all suspending services and transferring their patients.
Power outages are expected across Tampa Bay. In response, Duke Energy Florida mobilized 4,500 technicians, vegetation workers, damage assessors and support personnel. Tampa Electric Co. brought 1,000 workers and supplies from other states.
Tampa International Airport will suspend all commercial operations beginning Tuesday. Buildings at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will close Tuesday.
At least 10 Florida counties have ordered evacuations: Hillsborough, Franklin, Taylor, Levy, Citrus, Manatee, Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas and Sarasota.
Florida State University, the University of Florida and Florida A&M University, as well as 32 County School Districts, have announced closures.
From the National Hurricane Center - “This graphic shows an approximate representation of coastal areas under a hurricane warning (red), hurricane watch (pink), tropical storm warning (blue) and tropical storm watch (yellow). The orange circle indicates the current position of the center of the tropical cyclone. The black line, when selected, and dots show the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast track of the center at the times indicated. The dot indicating the forecast center location will be black if the cyclone is forecast to be tropical and will be white with a black outline if the cyclone is forecast to be extratropical. If only an L is displayed, then the system is forecast to be a remnant low. The letter inside the dot indicates the NHC's forecast intensity for that time:
D: Tropical Depression – wind speed less than 39 MPH
S: Tropical Storm – wind speed between 39 MPH and 73 MPH
H: Hurricane – wind speed between 74 MPH and 110 MPH
M: Major Hurricane – wind speed greater than 110 MPH
NHC tropical cyclone forecast tracks can be in error. This forecast uncertainty is conveyed by the track forecast "cone", the solid white and stippled white areas in the graphic.”
