####018009124#### WTUS82 KTBW 290910 HLSTBW FLZ043-050-052-056-057-061-139-142-148-149-151-155-160-162-165-239-242-248-249-251-255-260-262-265-291715- Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 11 National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL AL102023 510 AM EDT Tue Aug 29 2023 This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida **IDALIA NOW A HURRICANE AND EXPECTED TO RAPIDLY INTENSIFY INTO AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS MAJOR HURRICANE BEFORE LANDFALL ON WEDNESDAY** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Levy, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Pasco, Inland Citrus, and Pinellas - A Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Coastal Sarasota - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Inland Hernando, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Levy, Inland Manatee, Inland Pasco, and Sumter - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Inland Sarasota - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Coastal Charlotte and Coastal Lee - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for DeSoto, Hardee, Inland Charlotte, Inland Lee, and Polk * STORM INFORMATION: - About 340 miles south-southwest of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL or about 310 miles southwest of Fort Myers FL - 23.1N 85.0W - Storm Intensity 75 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Idalia is starting to lift north off of western Cuba this morning. Idalia is forecast to continue moving north and eventually northeast across the eastern Gulf of Mexico through Wednesday, and intensifying into a major hurricane. Watches and Warnings remain in effect for West Central and Southwest Florida and the adjacent coastal waters. The following are the primary hazards of concern with Idalia: * 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 surge looks to occur late this afternoon through early Thursday. Storm surge inundation could reach 8 to 12 feet along the Levy and Citrus county coastlines, 6 to 9 feet along the Hernando and Pasco county coastlines, 4 to 7 feet for the Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee county coastlines, 3 to 5 feet along the Sarasota county coast, and 2 to 4 feet along Charlotte and Lee counties. * Wind - Winds will start to increase through the day today, with hurricane force winds possible across much of the area, especially near the coast. Tropical storm force winds will be possible across the southern zones. Rush to completion any preparedness activities this morning. Downed trees and powerlines, with prolonged power outages will be possible. * Rainfall - Rain bands from Idalia will lift over the area today as the storm approaches, with the more consistent tropical rains with the storm possible later today through Wednesday. A slight to moderate risk for flooding is possible, mainly along the coast and across the northern zones, closer to the center of the storm. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches with locally higher amounts up to 12 inches is possible. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible devastating impacts across west central and southwest Florida. 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. * WIND: Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts across west central and southwest Florida. 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. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across west central and southwest Florida. 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. * TORNADOES: Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across west central and southwest 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. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local officials for recommended preparedness actions. 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. If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle ahead of time. * 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 heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making. 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. * 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. $$