As Hurricane Idalia draws closer to Florida through the warm Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory confirms its elevation to hurricane status. Overnight, the storm underwent improved organization, evident from Cuban radar data displaying much of an eyewall.
Anticipating the storm’s trajectory, experts highlight the influence of the “extremely warm and deep waters the hurricane will be traversing.” Coupled with reduced wind shear, these conditions point towards an imminent rapid intensification of the hurricane’s power.
The impending landfall, expected on Tuesday night or early Wednesday, predicts that Idalia will arrive as a formidable major hurricane, carrying sustained winds of approximately 120 miles per hour.
Hurricane Idalia Approaching Florida: Live Tracker and Forecast Details
For the latest updates on Idalia’s progress, follow the live tracker here:
Live Tracker: Hurricane Idalia’s Projected Path
This visual representation outlines the most likely course for the storm’s center. However, it is crucial to note that the diagram does not encompass the complete expanse of the storm or its potential consequences. There is a possibility that the center might deviate from this path up to 33% of the time.
Hurricane Idalia’s Trajectory: Spaghetti Models
As Florida braces for the hurricane’s impact, evacuation orders have been issued across 22 out of the state’s 67 counties. The precautionary closures of schools in numerous counties further underscore the imminent threat posed by Idalia.
Emergency managers are advising residents within the potential trajectory of the storm to prepare for a scenario that could be one category more severe than the current forecast. Upon landfall, Idalia is predicted to escalate to a formidable Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, characterized by wind speeds surpassing 111 mph.
Hurricane Idalia Approaching Florida: Live Tracker and Forecast Details
The hurricane’s influence is far-reaching, with tropical storm force winds spanning up to 175 miles from its core. Concerns regarding storm surges, sudden rises in water levels along coastlines and inland waterways, are significant. A surge of 2-3 feet could potentially impact the entire west coast of Florida, contingent on how Idalia’s landfall coincides with high tides during a full moon. Notably, the hurricane center has issued a severe warning about the potential life-threatening storm surge in Tampa Bay.
At the point of closest approach to land, a surge of up to 12 feet could manifest along the coast.
The forecast also outlines anticipated rainfall, predicting accumulations of 4-8 inches in specific regions along Florida’s west coast and Panhandle. Additionally, areas along the storm’s trajectory through southeast Georgia and the eastern Carolinas could experience isolated amounts of up to 12 inches at the location of Idalia’s landfall.
Hurricane Idalia Approaching Florida: Live Tracker and Forecast Details
Upon transitioning into the Atlantic, Idalia’s influence will be felt through the emergence of substantial swells along the Southeast U.S. coastline. This could give rise to hazardous surf conditions and rip currents, demanding vigilance from coastal residents and visitors alike.