####018008837#### WTUS82 KMLB 291536 HLSMLB FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747-292230- Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 12 National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL102023 1136 AM EDT Tue Aug 29 2023 This product covers East Central Florida **Idalia Strengthening, Moving Steadily Northward** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Volusia, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake * STORM INFORMATION: - About 340 miles south-southwest of Leesburg FL - 24.6N 84.8W - Storm Intensity 85 mph - Movement North or 5 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ The center of Hurricane Idalia is located around 120 miles west of the Dry Tortugas late this morning. Idalia currently has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and is moving north at 14 mph. A faster northward motion is expected through tonight, with an eventual turn to the north-northeast into Wednesday. Idalia is forecast to cross the Florida Gulf coast on Wednesday as a major hurricane. Local preparations should be nearing completion ahead of local tropical storm conditions by tonight and into Wednesday. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Lake, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Brevard counties. For the Atlantic waters, a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect north of Sebastian Inlet. Showers and squalls associated with outer rain bands from Idalia should reach central Florida later this afternoon, with conditions deteriorating further tonight 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 east of the storm's center. Based on the current forecast track, Idalia will make its closest pass to east- central Florida late tonight and early Wednesday morning, continuing northeastward during the day on Wednesday. Even as Idalia moves north of the area on Wednesday, conditions will remain quite windy. A Wind Advisory may be needed for portions of the area through Wednesday evening. While the heaviest rainfall from Idalia is forecast to fall along the Gulf Coast and western Florida Peninsula, gusty squalls will be capable of torrential downpours, beginning this afternoon and continuing into Wednesday. Around one to one and one-half inches of rain is forecast for coastal areas and Okeechobee County from today through Wednesday night, 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 late this 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 through 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 that preparations are nearing completion and your safety plan is in place. Some additional adjustments to the current forecast track remain possible as the storm becomes better organized. Any slight 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 hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include: - Some damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Several 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 are possible, especially in areas with above-ground lines. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across 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 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 information. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended actions. * 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. 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. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. 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 Melbourne FL around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ Schaper