####018008242#### WTUS82 KTBW 280915 HLSTBW FLZ043-050-052-056-057-061-139-142-148-149-151-155-160-162-165-239-242-248-249-251-255-260-262-265-281715- Tropical Storm Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 7 National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL AL102023 515 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida **IDALIA CONTINUES TO INTENSIFY WITH LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE AND DANGEROUS WINDS BECOMING INCREASINGLY LIKELY FOR PORTIONS OF FLORIDA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Levy, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Pasco, Coastal Sarasota, Inland Citrus, and Pinellas - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for Coastal Charlotte and Coastal Lee - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Inland Hernando, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Levy, Inland Manatee, Inland Pasco, Inland Sarasota, and Sumter - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for DeSoto, Hardee, Inland Charlotte, Inland Lee, and Polk * STORM INFORMATION: - About 540 miles south-southwest of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL or about 500 miles south-southwest of Fort Myers FL - 20.1N 85.2W - Storm Intensity 65 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 7 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Idalia continues to intensify off of the Yucatan Coast this morning. Idalia is forecast to move north and eventually northeast across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, making its way towards the Florida peninsula and intensifying to a major hurricane. Watches remain in effect for West Central and Southwest Florida and adjacent coastal waters. The following are the primary hazards of concern with Idalia: * Wind - Winds will increase Tuesday and remain gusty even after the storm passes into Thursday. Hurricane force winds are possible across much of the area and should be what residents prepare for, with tropical storm force winds possible across the southern zones. * Storm Surge - Areas across the Nature Coast are forecast to see extreme life-threatening levels of storm surge, with life-threatening surge also possible across west-central Florida. The main period of coastal flooding looks to occur Tuesday afternoon through early Thursday. * Rainfall - The majority of the rainfall associated with the system is forecast to fall Tuesday and Wednesday. A slight to moderate risk for flooding is possible, mainly along the coast and across the northern zones. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches with locally higher amounts up to 12 inches is possible. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts across the Nature Coast and Tampa Bay region. Potential impacts in this area include: - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months. - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Widespread power and communications outages. Also, prepare for life-threatening wind having possible limited to extensive impacts across Southwest Florida. * SURGE: Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible devastating impacts along the Nature Coast. Potential impacts in this area include: - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded from considerable floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period. - Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible. - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted onshore and stranded. Also, prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant to extensive impacts across Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across the Nature Coast. Potential impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited to significant impacts across Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across West-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 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 boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across Southwest Florida. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local officials for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move, relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep roadways open for those under evacuation orders. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: 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. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor drainage area, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. * 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 Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$