Overnight Changes Idalia from Tropical Storm Threat to a Category 3 Storm
All model runs are tight in agreement
Intensity Guide Increased Dramatically overnight
1. Idalia is now forecast to become a major hurricane before it
reaches the Gulf coast of Florida. The risk continues to increase
for life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force
winds along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida
Panhandle beginning as early as late Tuesday. Storm surge and
hurricane watches are in effect for portions of the west coast of
Florida and the coast of the Florida Panhandle, and residents in
these areas should monitor updates to the forecast and follow any
advice given by local officials.
2. Areas of flash and urban flooding, some of which may be locally
significant, are expected across portions of the west coast of
Florida, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Georgia Tuesday into
Wednesday, spreading into portions of the eastern Carolinas
Wednesday into Thursday.
3. Hurricane-force winds are expected across portions of far
western Cuba later today. Heavy rainfall is also expected across
portions of western Cuba and may produce areas of flash and urban
flooding as well as landslides across western Cuba.
