####018008622#### WTUS82 KMLB 290345 HLSMLB FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747-291200- Tropical Storm Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 10 National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL102023 1145 PM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 This product covers East Central Florida **Tropical Storm Idalia Near Western Cuba Remains Near Hurricane Strength As It Continues Slowly Northward** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for all of Volusia and Brevard counties * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for all of Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties * STORM INFORMATION: - About 510 miles south-southwest of Leesburg FL - 22.0N 85.0W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement North or 10 degrees at 8 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ The center of Tropical Storm Idalia is located around 10 miles northwest of the western tip of Cuba late this evening. Idalia currently has maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and is moving north at about 8 mph. A continued northward motion is expected tonight and Tuesday. Idalia is forecast to cross the Florida Gulf coast late on Wednesday as a major hurricane. Preparations should be ongoing for local tropical storm conditions by Tuesday night and into Wednesday. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Lake, Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties. A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Volusia and Brevard counties. For the Atlantic waters, a Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect north of Sebastian Inlet. Showers and squalls associated with outer rain bands from Idalia should reach central Florida on Tuesday, with conditions further deteriorating Tuesday night and Wednesday 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. 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. Wednesday will be a windy day even outside of squalls. 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: Protect against 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. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against 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: Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across portions of 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. * 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. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local officials for recommended preparedness actions. * 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, 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. Be ready to shelter quickly. * 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 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$