####018008558#### WTUS82 KMFL 281512 HLSMFL FLZ063-066>075-168-172>174-282315- Tropical Storm Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 8 National Weather Service Miami FL AL102023 1112 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 This product covers South Florida **Tropical Storm Warning now in effect for coastal Collier County** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Coastal Collier County * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Coastal Collier County - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Inland Collier County * STORM INFORMATION: - About 470 miles southwest of Miami FL or about 430 miles south-southwest of Naples FL - 20.8N 85.2W - Storm Intensity 65 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 8 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Idalia continues to strengthen in the Yucatan Channel this morning. The storm is forecast to move into the southeast Gulf of Mexico tonight into Tuesday. Idalia is forecast to keep strengthening over the eastern Gulf as it moves closer to the west coast of Florida. The following are the primary hazards of concern with Idalia: * Coastal Flooding/Surge - Higher than usual tides due to the combination of surge from Idalia and the full moon could lead to coastal flooding of 1 to 3 feet in vulnerable, low-lying coastal areas along the Gulf coast of southern Florida. Other vulnerable coastal areas of southern Florida could also experience minor coastal flooding, especially around the times of high tide. * Rainfall - The majority of the rainfall associated with the system is forecast to fall from this afternoon through Wednesday. The greatest risk for flash flooding will be near the Gulf coast. Storm total rain amounts of 2 to 3 inches with localized higher amounts. The highest amounts are anticipated along the Gulf coast. * Wind - Increasingly gusty winds are forecast Tuesday through Thursday, particularly along the Gulf coast and adjacent coastal waters. A reasonable worst case scenario would have tropical storm force winds across Collier County between Monday night and Wednesday. Areas of the East Coast and Atlantic waters could also see gusty winds up to 35 mph during the same time frame. * Tornadoes - A low-end tornado threat is possible through early Thursday as banding from the system moves ashore. The focus for tornadic activity could be in the western half of southern Florida. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal Collier County. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Elsewhere across South Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across South Florida. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Ditches and canals may quickly rise with swift currents. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. * WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across Southwest Florida. Potential impacts in this area 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. Elsewhere across South Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across South 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, 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. Elsewhere across South Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official 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: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by the local authorities. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather 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 Miami FL around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ RAG/SRB