Tropical Storm Idalia Forecast to Become Major Hurricane
By Tampa Bay Living Magazine staff
In the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to become a major Category 3 hurricane with 115 mph winds before landfall. Hurricane warnings are anticipated for Florida's Gulf coast communities. And officials are expected to issue evacuation orders on Monday. Hernando County officials issued voluntary evacuation orders on Sunday for all areas west of US highway 19, which include evacuation zones A, B and C. Officials advised all residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes, in the county to seek safe shelter with family or friends that reside in a safe structure way from the coast where storm surge impacts are expected.
Hurricane Watches and Storm Surge Watches have been issued for the Tampa Bay area as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches the Florida Gulf coast. The National Hurricane Center has alerted residents and authorities to prepare for the potential impacts of this storm. Officials are now forecasting 4 to 7 feet of storm surge for areas in and around Tampa Bay. The storm's projected path indicates that it will pass near or over the Tampa Bay area, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, tornadoes and extreme storm surge.
Tampa Bay area emergency management agencies have activated their response plans and are closely monitoring the situation. Governor Ron DeSantis said during a Sunday press conference that residents in the Tampa Bay area should heed all warnings and evacuation orders issued by state and local authorities ahead of Idalia. Residents and visitors can find their evacuation zones here: https://shorturl.at/zBW38
“So few people know whether or not they're in an evacuation zone. Evacuations may be necessary for this storm later today or tomorrow. If you are ordered to evacuate, it's imperative that you do so,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center during a Facebook Live on Sunday.
When a Hurricane Watch is issued, conditions are favorable for the development of a hurricane within the next 48 hours. During a Hurricane Watch, individuals and communities should closely monitor weather updates and be prepared to take action if necessary.
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..”
As of Sunday, 33 Florida counties in and around Tampa Bay are under a state of emergency:
Alachua
Bay
Calhoun
Charlotte
Citrus
Columbia
DeSoto
Dixie
Franklin
Gadsden
Gilchrist
Gulf
Hamilton
Hardee
Hernando
Hillsborough
Jefferson
Lafayette
Lee
Leon
Levy
Liberty
Madison
Manatee
Marion
Pasco
Pinellas
Polk
Sarasota
Sumter
Suwannee
Taylor
Wakulla
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparation Tips
1. Stay informed: Check weather reports and authorities’ updates. Listen to news stations and follow official social media accounts to stay up-to-date on storm progress and heed evacuation orders from authorities. Know the proper evacuation zones and routes.
Evacuation zone maps:
Tampa Bay news stations:
Social media accounts for emergency announcements and evacuation orders:
National Weather Service — Tampa Bay
2. Have a plan: Know where to seek refuge if an evacuation order is issued, and plan how to get there. Make sure any family or travel groups know the plan and have a designated meeting place in case people are separated. Visit ready.gov to get started.
3. Review insurance policies: Review homeowners’ insurance policies to ensure adequate hurricane coverage. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes offers guides to help families prepare their homes for natural and human-made disasters.
4. Make a specialized plan for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses: Preparing for a hurricane can be stressful for anyone, but it can be incredibly challenging for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Here are some hurricane planning tips.
Make a specialized plan: Create a specialized plan that outlines what to do during a hurricane. This plan should include an evacuation plan, a communication plan with family and friends and a plan for any necessary medical equipment or supplies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer guides to help people with chronic illnesses prepare for a hurricane. For people living with paralysis, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has released a comprehensive booklet, “Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis,” as well.
Prepare a disaster kit: Disaster kits should include food, water, medication, medical equipment and personal hygiene items. Include specific items, such as a communication device or mobility aid.
Know evacuation options: If evacuation orders are issued, know where to go. Contact the emergency management office to learn about accessible evacuation options.
Register with the emergency management office: For people with disabilities, it’s essential to register with the city emergency management office. This step will ensure that they know their disability needs, request accommodations and can assist during an emergency.
Stay informed: Stay informed about the hurricane status by monitoring news stations and weather reports. Make sure you have a way to receive emergency alerts and updates.
Have a backup power supply: If someone requires electricity for medical equipment, bring a backup power supply, such as a generator or battery backup.
Stay connected: During a hurricane, staying connected with family, friends and emergency services is essential. Charge cellphones and backup batteries or charging devices.
Practice an emergency plan: Practice any hurricane plan regularly, including evacuation drills and communication plans.
6. Pack an emergency kit: Compile a hurricane emergency kit, which should include enough food, water and medication for at least three days, as well as a first aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries. Also, pack any essential documents, including passports and insurance information, in a waterproof container.
7. Secure belongings: For tourists staying in a hotel or rental property, secure any loose objects outside, such as patio furniture or umbrellas. Move valuables to a higher floor or safe location.
8. Follow evacuation orders: If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately. Take time when leaving, as roads may become congested or impassable.