Tracking Idalia: Gulf Coastal Communities of Florida Under Tropical Storm Warning

As of 8am on Monday, August 28th, several areas in southwest Florida have been placed under Tropical Storm warnings as Idalia continues to intensify. Stay updated and informed of the timeline of Idalia, and when she is expected to make landfall.

11 am Monday

By 11am on Monday, Tropical Storm Idalia was located between the Yucatan of Mexico and western Cuba. Just about 500 miles southwest of Fort Myers, Idalia has wind speeds of 65 mph. The tropical storm is expected to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by Monday evening.

Tropical Storm Warnings Vs Tropical Storm Watch

Many counties along the Gulf Coast of Florida are under tropical storm watches or warnings, and it's important to know what that means.

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.

However, a tropical storm warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher are expected in 36 hours or less.

Current counties under Tropical Storm Watches:

Collier
Charlotte
DeSoto
Lee

A hurricane watch and storm surge warning is in effect for Sarasota County.

Current counties under Tropical Storm Warnings:

Charlotte
Coastal Collier
DeSoto
Lee
Sarasota Counties

Storm Surge Warning

Idalia is expected to be a very powerful storm, and it's only getting stronger as it's getting closer to land. Wind is a major component of damage to lives and property, but life-threatening storm surge is is expected to threaten much of the Gulf coast.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), storm surge is at many times poses the greatest risk to lives and property. Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water caused by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides.

Many counties are currently under a storm surge watch including:

Charlotte
Collier
Lee
Sarasota

These counties could see up to four feet of storm surge. These inches increase the more north you go, with Sarasota county expecting to see up to five feet.

Image provided by NOAA

By Tuesday Afternoon

By late Tuesday, rain from Idalia will begin to make it's way to Southwest Florida. This rain brings the threat of tropical downpours and potential of isolated tornadoes. Idalia will continue to strengthen and become a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.

As Idalia gets closer, rain will increase and winds could reach up to 55 mph, especially along the coastline. Tuesday night may also bring a peak surge during high tide.

Wednesday Morning

Early Wednesday morning is when Idalia is expected to make landfall between Tampa Bay and Apalachicola. Residents in the most vulnerable areas are urged to make preparations now.

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