Tropical Storm Idalia Forecast to Strike Florida as a Hurricane
By Tampa Bay Living Magazine staff
Forecasters have grown increasingly confident that an eventual hurricane will significantly impact Florida later this week after Tropical Storm Idalia formed in the Caribbean Sea on Sunday.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s midday update, the newly named Idalia was located between the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba with 40 mph winds. Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast as the storm strengthens. Weather experts say hurricane and storm surge watches may be issued for portions of Florida’s Gulf coast later today.
“If you’re anywhere along the Florida peninsula, so let’s say from about Fort Myers northward to the panhandle, you really got to be paying attention even if you’re outside of the cone,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, on Sunday during a Facebook Live briefing. “The hazards are going to extend away from the center … so even if you’re not in this white cone area, you have to be paying attention.”
The Tampa Bay region will be impacted by tropical downpours and severe weather beginning Tuesday, with the most severe effects along the coast. In addition to power outages, strong winds may cause storm surges and coastal flooding, especially during high tide periods. Several Tampa Bay counties remain under a state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia.
3 p.m. Update From Florida’s Emergency Management and Governor Ron DeSantis
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held an emergency press conference ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, announcing that 1,000 National Guardsmen had been activated and a "significant" number of linemen had been mobilized. Power outages were expected in affected areas. Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to make landfall as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region; however, authorities cautioned the storm's exact strength, path and landfall could change. Authorities said those outside the cone can still be affected. The National Hurricane Center will provide an updated briefing at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Credits: National Hurricane Center
33 Florida counties 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.
