Summary:
Idalia is predicted to rapidly strengthen the next day or so over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, become a major hurricane by late Tuesday/Tuesday night and reach the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday. Idalia is expected to produce life-threatening storm surge inundation and hurricane conditions along parts of the Florida Gulf Coast. Flash and urban flooding are also likely from Idalia. Impacted Lanes: I-90, I-40, I-75, I-81, I-85, I-4
Florida
Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect until further notice
- Wind: Tropical storm force winds are possible with 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph
- Impacts: Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. Many 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.
- Flooding Rain: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts
- Impacts: 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.
Hurricane Warning remains in effect until further notice
- Wind: Equivalent Cat 1 Hurricane force wind: 55-75 mph with gusts to 90 mph
- Impacts: Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. Large areas with power and communications outages.
- Flooding Rain: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally higher amounts
- Impacts: 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.
Storm Surge Warning remains in effect until further notice
- Storm Surge: Life-threatening storm surge possible: The potential for 4-7 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
- Impacts: Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings, with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period. Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded.
Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect until 8 PM EDT Thursday evening
- Significant coastal flooding expected.
- Impacts: Numerous roads may be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. Some shoreline erosion will occur.
Georgia
Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 11:30 AM EDT this morning
- Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
- Impacts: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
Flood Watch remains in effect until 11:30 PM EDT Wednesday evening
- Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Idalia is possible.
- Impacts: Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Water over roadways is expected.
Flood Advisory remains in effect until 10:15 AM EDT this morning
- Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.
- Impacts: Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Water over roadways is expected.
Delaware
Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 11:59 PM EDT this evening
- Up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
- Impacts: At this level, flooding begins on the most vulnerable roads in coastal and bayside communities, and along inland tidal waterways. Some partial or full road closures are possible.
Oregon
Wind Advisory remains in effect until 11 PM PDT this evening
- West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
- Impacts: Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Additional Flood Watches include but are not limited to: West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Idaho, and Washington
Additional Flood Advisories include but are not limited to: South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee
Additional Coastal Flood Advisories include but are not limited to: Maryland, and New Jersey
Additional Wind Advisories include but are not limited to: California, Idaho, Montana, and Washington
***Tropical Storm/Hurricane Idalia is expected to hit Florida late tonight and will be traveling northeast in a path projected to hit Georgia, South Carolina and portions of North Carolina later in the week.
