####018008644#### WTUS82 KMLB 272215 HLSMLB FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747-280430- Tropical Storm Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 5 National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL102023 615 PM EDT Sun Aug 27 2023 This product covers East Central Florida **Tropical Storm Watch In Effect for Lake County** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Northern Lake and Southern Lake * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Northern Lake and Southern Lake * STORM INFORMATION: - About 640 miles south-southwest of Leesburg FL - 20.1N 85.5W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement Northeast or 40 degrees at 3 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ The center of Tropical Storm Idalia is located just over 120 miles south of western Cuba this afternoon. Idalia is slowly drifting to the northeast, and motion is expected to remain slow and possibly erratic overnight, before increasing in speed to the north-northeast on Monday and Tuesday. The storm is currently forecast to approach the western Florida Peninsula late Tuesday into Wednesday. Preparations should be ongoing for at least tropical storm conditions by midweek. A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Lake County, where confidence is highest in tropical storm conditions occurring. Additional watches may be necessary for portions of east-central Florida in future forecasts. Moisture associated with Idalia will reach central Florida as early as Monday afternoon, boosting rain and thunderstorm chances during the day. Conditions will begin to deteriorate Tuesday afternoon and evening as Idalia accelerates north-northeastward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. As coverage of showers and squalls increases Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, the possibility of strong to damaging wind gusts will also increase. Tropical storm force winds are forecast to extend outward from the storm's center, potentially reaching portions of east-central Florida, including Lake County, Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Based on the current forecast track, Idalia will make its closest pass to east-central Florida late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, continuing northeastward during the day on Wednesday. While the heaviest rainfall from Idalia is currently forecast to fall along the Gulf Coast and western Florida Peninsula, gusty squalls will be capable of torrential downpours, especially Tuesday and Wednesday. One to two inches of rain from Monday afternoon through Wednesday night is expected for a large portion of the area, with locally higher amounts possible. Locations in closer proximity to the center of Idalia, such as Lake County in east-central Florida, may receive higher rainfall totals. In addition to strong wind gusts, a threat for tornadoes is forecast to develop as the center of Idalia moves into the eastern Gulf of Mexico Tuesday afternoon, Tuesday night and into Wednesday. Combined swells from Hurricane Franklin over the western Atlantic and the approach of Idalia will likely lead to high seas, rough surf, and an increase in life-threatening rip currents. Eastward adjustments to the current forecast track would also increase the threat for possible beach erosion and coastal flooding Tuesday into Wednesday. Do not let your guard down, especially in locations east of the current Tropical Storm Watch. Impacts from Idalia will be experienced far from the center of the storm. Now is the time to ensure your hurricane supply kit is stocked and your safety plan is in place. As Idalia becomes better organized over the next 24 to 36 hours, additional changes to the current forecast are possible. Eastward shifts in the forecast track would increase the potential for impacts locally, so continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across Lake County. Potential impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across the remainder of East Central Florida. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings. * SURGE: Direct surge impacts from Idalia are not currently anticipated at this time. However, larger swells and surf combined with Hurricane Franklin will bring a threat for minor coastal flooding and beach erosion.Locations more vulnerable to coastal flooding and beach erosion, such as portions of the Volusia County coast, should stay updated on the latest forecasts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local officials for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. 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. When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. * 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 Melbourne FL around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ Schaper