ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — At 1115 AM EDT (1600 UTC), Tropical Storm Idalia has formed near latitude 19.9 North, longitude 85.8 West. The
depression is moving toward the east near 2 mph (4 km/h), and
it is likely to meander near the Yucatan Channel through tonight.
A faster motion toward the north is expected on Monday, bringing the
system over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts.
The depression is expected to become a tropical storm today, and
strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 996 mb (29.41 inches).
RAINFALL: The system is expected to produce the following rainfall
amounts:
Portions of the eastern Yucatan: 2 to 4 inches, with isolated higher
totals of 6 inches.
Western Cuba: 3 to 6 inches, with isolated higher totals of 10
inches.
Portions of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, and
southern Georgia: From Tuesday into Wednesday, 3 to 6 inches, with
isolated higher totals of 10 inches.
Heavy rainfall is also likely to spread into portions of the
Carolinas by Wednesday into Thursday.
This rainfall may lead to flash and urban flooding, and landslides
across western Cuba. Scattered flash and urban flooding can also be
expected across portions of the west coast of Florida, the Florida
Panhandle and portions of the Southeast U.S. by Tuesday into
Thursday.
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected over portions of the
warning area over the Yucatan Peninsula today and western Cuba
tonight or Monday. Tropical storm conditions are possible within
the watch area on the Isle of Youth tonight or Monday.
STORM SURGE: Minor coastal flooding is expected within the Tropical
Storm Warning area over the Yucatan Peninsula in areas of onshore
winds.
Make sure those hurricane kits are ready to go and that you have your plan updated. A disaster-preparedness sales tax holiday is starting this weekend, meaning you could save on important hurricane kit items, including high-priced items such as generators.
Due to the level of uncertainty at this point, it will be important for you to check back in frequently with us through the weekend.