Dave Roberts (L) and Brooke Painter load personal items into their van as they evacuate their vacation rental ahead of the possible arrival of Hurricane Idalia on August 28, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. Tropical Storm Idalia is nearing hurricane strength and is forecast to become a hurricane as it tracks toward the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia is gaining strength and is heading towards Florida. The forecast cone hasn't changed much, still heading toward the Florida Big Bend Area. A little more west and further away from Southwest Florida. One thing that has changed overnight, is the speed of which Idalia will get there.
The 8/29 5am advisory now has Hurricane Idalia with maximum sustained winds at 75 mph and a northern direction at 14 mph. That increase in speed as it heads north comes into play as the timing of Idalia's Florida impact is now looking to be around Wednesday morning. The water in the gulf is as warm as I can ever remember, the longer the storm is over water, the more of that energy it can pick up. It's currently expected to hit landfall at a Category 3.
So what's in store for Southwest Florida from Hurricane Idalia?
Tropical Storm Warnings for Desoto, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties. As of this update it looks like the hurricane force winds will stay offshore of us. But obviously that can change. And don't sleep on tropical storm force winds. Because the rains can come quickly and with intensity we'll need to watch for flooding. I had a tropical storm take down a tree in my backyard once. The ground was so saturated that the winds just blew it over.
Don't drive during the rain bands. NBC2 is calling for 2 to 4 inches of rain. Stay tuned to local and national news to make your weather related decisions. They'll be able to tell you exactly when rain will occur, and updates on how much.
Here's a look at the current forecast cone, then there's one really weird possible scenario to discuss.
There's a chance that Idalia could loop back around and hit Florida a second time. Waaaay too early to tell on that one, but a couple of models are seeing it.
2023 Hurricane Guide
2023 Hurricane Guide – A Preparedness Guide that provides you the updated information you may need in the event of a hurricane.
We know too well that 2022 was not a quiet year for storms. With the damage caused by the wrath of Hurricane Ian, SWFL residents will want to be more prepared than ever.
The 2023 Hurricane Guide is sponsored by Gavin's Ace Hardware and Century Public Adjusters
Special thanks to the City of Cape Coral for their partnership with Beasley Media Group
ONLINE RESOURCES
To download the entire guide as one file, click here.
