####018009684#### WTUS82 KMLB 281529 HLSMLB FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747-282200- Tropical Storm Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 8 National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL102023 1129 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 This product covers East Central Florida **Tropical Storm Idalia Continues to Intensify Near Western Cuba** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Northern Lake and Southern Lake - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Coastal Volusia, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Northern Lake and Southern Lake - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Volusia, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands * STORM INFORMATION: - About 590 miles south-southwest of Leesburg FL or about 580 miles south-southwest of Orlando FL - 20.8N 85.2W - Storm Intensity 65 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 8 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ The center of Tropical Storm Idalia is located around 70 miles south of the tip of western Cuba late this morning. A continued northward motion expected today and Tuesday. Idalia remains forecast to approach the Florida Gulf coast late Tuesday and early Wednesday as a major hurricane. Preparations should be ongoing for local tropical storm conditions by Tuesday night and into Wednesday. A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Lake county. A Tropical Storm watch is now in effect for Seminole, Orange, Volusia, Osceola and Brevard Counties. For the Atlantic waters, a Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect north of Sebastian Inlet. Showers and squalls associated with outer rain bands from Idalia should begin to reach central Florida by Tuesday morning, with conditions further deteriorating during Tuesday as Idalia accelerates north-northeastward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The possibility of strong to damaging wind gusts in squalls will increase as tropical storm force winds extend well eastward from the storm's center, potentially reaching interior portions of east-central Florida 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 early 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 forecast for coastal areas and Okeechobee County, and two to four inches is forecast west of I-95 from Brevard and Osceola Counties northward, with locally higher amounts possible. Locations in closer proximity to the center of Idalia, generally along and west of Interstate Four in east-central Florida, may receive higher rainfall totals. In addition to strong wind gusts, a threat for tornadoes is forecast to develop from Tuesday afternoon continuing into Wednesday. Incoming Atlantic swell from Major Hurricane Franklin combined with winds from Idalia will lead to high seas, rough surf, an increase in life-threatening rip currents, and beach erosion during high tides during Tuesday and Wednesday. Do not let your guard down. Impacts from Idalia will be felt 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 through tonight, additional changes to the current forecast are possible. Any eastward adjustments in the forecast track would increase the potential for local impacts, so continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across . Portions of east central Florida. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. * 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 and Brevard county coast, should stay updated on the latest forecasts. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across portions of east central FLorida. 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. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across east 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 small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. 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. * 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. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors. 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. Be ready to shelter quickly. NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Melbourne FL around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ JP/BS