Tag Archives: Florida

Tropical Storm Debby Strengthens

Tropical Storm Debby strengthened over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 26.3°N and longitude 84.2°W which put the center about 155 miles (255 km) southwest of Tampa, Florida.  Debby was moving toward the north-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Ochlockonee River, Florida.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida.  A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Yankeetown, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from East Cape Sable to Suwannee River, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Channel 5 Bridge,  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Georgia to the South Santee River, South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Debby strengthened over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday morning.  Thunderstorms were occurring near the center of Debby’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Debby.  Bands in the western side of Debby consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Debby’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical storm.

The distribution of winds in Tropical Storm Debby continued to be asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the eastern half of Debby’s circulation.  Winds in the western side of Debby were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Debby will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S.  The trough will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Debby’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Debby will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Debby is likely to intensify to a hurricane by Sunday night.

Tropical Storm Debby will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Debby toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Debby will approach the coast of north Florida by Monday morning.

Tropical Storm Debby is likely to be a hurricane when it approaches the north coast of Florida.  Debby will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Florida.  Heavy rain could cause flooding in some locations.  Tropical Storm Debby could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Aripeka to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to Aripeka, Florida.  The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.  A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Debby Forms North of Cuba

Tropical Storm Debby formed north of Cuba on Saturday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 23.4°N and longitude 83.2°W which put the center about 100 miles (160 km) west-southwest of Key West, Florida. Debby was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Ochlockonee River, Florida.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida.  A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Yankeetown, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from East Cape Sable to Suwannee River, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Dry Tortugas.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Channel 5 Bridge,  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida.

Former Tropical Depression Four strengthened on Saturday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Debby.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Storm Debby after it moved north of Cuba.  More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Debby.  Storm’s near the center of Debby’s circulation generated more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Debby was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the eastern half of Debby’s circulation.  Winds in the western side of Debby were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Debby Four will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S.  The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Debby’s circulation.  The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Debby will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Debby is likely to intensify slowly as it moves away from Cuba.  Tropical Storm Debby is likely to intensify more rapidly when it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday.  Debby could strengthen to a hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Debby will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Debby toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Debby will approach the coast of north Florida on Monday.

Tropical Storm Debby will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Florida.  Heavy rain could cause flooding in some locations.  Tropical Storm Debby could also cause a storm surge of up to 8 feet (2.3 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Aripeka to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to Aripeka, Florida.  The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. 

Tropical Depression Four Forms South of Cuba

Tropical Depression Four formed south of Cuba on Friday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Four was located at latitude 21.4°N and longitude 79.7°W which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) south of Caibarien, Cuba and about 260 miles (415 km) south-southeast of Key West, Florida.  Tropical Depression Four was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).   The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1010 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from East Cape Sable to Boca Grande, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Dry Tortugas.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from south of Card Sound Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from East Cape Sable to Card Sound Bridge, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Boca Grande to the mouth of the Suwannee River, Florida.

A distinct low level center of circulation developed over the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba in a tropical wave previously designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Four, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Four.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Depression Four on Friday night.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Depression Four.  Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Four will move through an environment favorable for the formation of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Tropical Depression Four will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S.  The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical depression.  The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Depression Four is likely to intensify slowly as long as the center of the depression is near Cuba. The tropical depression is likely to intensify more rapidly when it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Depression Four will moving around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Tropical Depression Four toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Four will move across western Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico.  The tropical depression is likely to move toward the north during the weekend when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system.

Tropical Depression Four is likely to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Florida during the weekend.  Heavy rain could cause widespread flooding.  Tropical Depression Four could also cause a storm surge along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to the Mouth of the Suwannee River, Florida.  The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches Issued for Florida

The potential threat posed by a tropical wave over eastern Cuba prompted the issuance of Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches for parts of Florida.  The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the tropical wave as Potential Tropical Cyclone Four in order to issue the watches and warnings.  The tropical wave was previous designated as Invest 97L.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Four was located at latitude 20.9°N and longitude 76.6°W which put the center about 90 miles (145 km) east-southeast of Camaguey, Cuba and about 420 miles (675 km) southeast of Key West, Florida.  The tropical wave was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1012 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from south of Card Sound Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from East Cape Sable to Card Sound Bridge, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to Aripeka,, Florida. 

The tropical wave currently designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Four will move into an environment favorable for the formation of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Potential Tropical Cyclone Four will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S.  The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical wave.  The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The tropical wave is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone as long as the center of the wave is over Cuba.  A tropical depression or a tropical storm is likely to form on Saturday when Potential Tropical Cyclone Four moves north of Cuba.  The system could strengthen to a tropical storm over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

The tropical wave is moving around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Potential Tropical Cyclone Four toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the tropical wave will move toward the Florida Keys.  Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is likely to move toward the north during the weekend when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is likely to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Florida during the weekend.  Heavy rain could cause widespread flooding.  Potential Tropical Cyclone Four could also cause a storm surge along the west coast of Florida.

Tropical Wave Likely to Prompt Watches and Warnings for Florida

A tropical wave over eastern Cuba is likely to prompt the issuance of Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings for Florida on Friday.  The tropical wave is currently designated as Invest 97L.  At 2:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Invest 97L was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 74.1°W which put the center about 80 miles (130 km) east of Guantanamo, Cuba.  The tropical wave was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1012 mb.

The axis of a tropical wave is over eastern Cuba early on Friday morning.  The tropical wave is currently designated as Invest 97L.  There is not a well defined low level circulation in the tropical wave.  There is a broad counterclockwise rotation along the axis of the tropical wave.  Much of the rotation is over eastern Cuba.  Clusters of showers and thunderstorms are embedded in the broad counterclockwise rotation.

The tropical wave currently designated as Invest 97L will move into an environment favorable for the formation of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Invest 97L will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.   It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S.  The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical wave.  The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The tropical wave is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone as long as the center of the wave is over Cuba.  A tropical depression or a tropical storm is likely to form on Saturday when Invest 97L moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

The tropical wave is moving around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Invest 97L toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the tropical wave will move toward the Florida Keys.  Invest 97L is likely to move toward the north during the weekend when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system.

The tropical wave is likely to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Florida during the weekend.  Heavy rain could cause widespread flooding.

Low Pressure System Approaches Southeast U.S.

A small low pressure system was approaching the Southeast U.S. on Friday morning.  The low pressure system was officially designated as Invest 92L by the U.S. National Hurricane Center.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of the low pressure system was located at latitude 30.4°N and longitude 79.5°W which put it about 135 miles (215 km) east of Jacksonville, Florida.  The low pressure system was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1014 mb.

The low pressure system approaching the Southeast U.S. was officially designated as Invest 92L, but it exhibited many of the characteristics of a tropical depression.  Thunderstorms were occurring near the center of the low pressure system.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the southern half of the circulation around Invest 92L.  Bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds, although there were also a few thunderstorms.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the southwest of the low pressure system.

The low pressure system approaching the Southeast U.S. will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge that stretches from Texas to Maine.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of the low pressure system.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification.  The low pressure system could strengthen a little, if the upper level winds do not get stronger.

The low pressure system will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the western Atlantic Ocean and eastern U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Invest 92L toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the low pressure system will make landfall on the coast of Georgia later on Friday.

The low pressure system designated as Invest 92L will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of northeastern Florida and eastern Georgia.  It will also generate waves and rip currents along the coast.  The waves could cause some minor coastal erosion.

Low Pressure System Causes Floods in South Florida

A low pressure system designated as Invest 90L caused floods in parts of South Florida on Wednesday. At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Invest 90L was located at latitude 28.6°N and longitude 81.0°W which put it about 10 miles (15 km) northwest of Titusville, Florida. The low pressure system was moving toward the northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1010 mb.

Even though the center of the low pressure system moved across Central Florida, it produced a band of thunderstorms well to the south of the center of circulation. The band of thunderstorms dropped persistent rain over parts of southwestern and southeastern Florida. Naples reported 3.94 inches (100.1 mm) of rain on Tuesday. There were reports of street flooding in Naples on Wednesday. Ft. Lauderdale reported 6.77 inches (172.0 mm) of rain on Wednesday. Miami reported 2,25 inches (57.2 mm) of rain on Wednesday. West Palm Beach reported 2.38 inches (60.4 mm) of rain on Wednesday. There were reports of urban flooding in Miami, Miami Beach and Hallandale in southeastern Florida.

Flood Warnings were in effect for Collier and Hendry Counties in southwestern Florida. Flood Warnings were also in effect for Broward and Miami-Dade Counties in southeastern Florida. A Flood Watch was in effect for South Florida.

The low pressure system will move through an environment marginally favorable for the formation of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C during the next few hours. An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will produce westerly winds that will blow across the top of the low pressure system. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will inhibit development of a tropical cyclone, but the wind shear could start to decrease on Thursday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center is indicating that probability is 20% that the low pressure system develops into a tropical cyclone after it moves over the western Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the southeast U.S.

The upper level trough will steer the low pressure system toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the low pressure system will move over the western Atlantic Ocean on Thursday. A new center of circulation could develop along the line of thunderstorms in the southern part of the current circulation.

Low Pressure System To Drop Heavy Rain on Central, South Florida

A low pressure system designated as Invest 90L will drop heavy rain over parts of Central and South Florida during the next 24 hours. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Invest 90L was located at latitude 26.9°N and longitude 93.9°W which put it about 75 miles (120 km) west-southwest of Sarasota, Florida. The low pressure system was moving toward the east-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1009 mb.

A low pressure system developed over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday. The low pressure system was designated as Invest 90L. It was approaching the west coast of Florida near Sarasota on Tuesday afternoon. The low pressure system was being steered toward the east-northeast. It will move across the Florida Peninsula during Tuesday night. The low pressure system will drop heavy rain over parts of Central and South Florida.

A Flood Watch was in effect for South Florida.

A well defined low level circulation was visible on satellite images. Thunderstorms were occurring in the eastern and northern parts of the low pressure system. Thunderstorms were also occurring in a band just east of the center of circulation. Bands north and west of the center of the low pressure system consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The low pressure system will move through an environment unfavorable for the formation of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C during the next few hours. Then it will move over the Florida Peninsula. An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will produce westerly winds that will blow across the top of the low pressure system. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear. The combination of movement over land and strong vertical wind shear is likely to prevent the development of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.

The low pressure system could move into a more favorable environment when it moves over the western Atlantic Ocean on Friday. The upper level trough could move northeast of the low pressure system which would cause the vertical wind shear to decrease. The U.S. National Hurricane Center is indicating that probability is 20% that the low pressure system develops into a tropical cyclone after it moves over the western Atlantic Ocean northeast of Florida.

The upper level trough will steer the low pressure system toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the low pressure system will reach the west coast of Florida near Sarasota in a few hours. The center of the low pressure system is likely to pass south of Orlando and Daytona Beach. It will drop heavy rain over parts of Central and South Florida. Some thunderstorms could approach severe criteria.

Hurricane Idalia Brings Wind and Rain to Southeast U.S.

Former Hurricane Idalia brought wind and rain to southeast U.S. on Wednesday. Idalia weakened to a tropical storm on Wednesday afternoon as it moved across southeastern Georgia. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 32.2°N and longitude 81.7°W which put it about 40 miles (65 km) west of Savannah, Georgia. Idalia was moving toward the northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 961 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Flagler/Volusia County Line, Florida to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina. The Tropical Storm Warning also included Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

Former Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the west coast of Florida near Keaton Beach on Wednesday morning. A NOAA C-MAN station at Keaton Beach (KTNF1) measured a sustained wind speed of 61 m.p.h. (98 km/h) and a wind gust of 77 m.p.h. (124 km/h). Idalia moved northeast across northern Florida and southeastern Georgia during Wednesday. The center of Idalia passed just to the southeast of Perry, Florida. A weather station in Perry (KFPY) measured a sustained wind speed of 62 m.p.h. (100 km/h) and a wind gust of 85 m.p.h. (137 km/h). Idalia weakened steadily as it moved over land. The center of Idalia’s circulation passed southeast of Valdosta, Georgia. A weather station in Valdosta (KVLD) measured a sustained wind speed of 39 m.p.h. (63 km/h) and a wind gust of 67 m.p.h. (108 km/h).

An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Idalia toward the northeast during the next 12 hours. The upper level trough will pass north of Idalia on Thursday. The trough will steer Tropical Storm Idalia toward the east-northeast on Thursday. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Idalia will move near the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Idalia will weaken gradually during the next 24 hours. The strongest winds in Idalia will occur over the Atlantic Ocean and along the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina. The winds will be weaker in parts of South Carolina and North Carolina that are farther inland. The southerly winds in the eastern part of Idalia will blow water toward the coast. Those winds will cause a storm surge along the coast of up to 7 feet (2 meters). A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Catherine’s Sound, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina.

The southerly winds blowing in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Idalia will converge with northerly winds blowing around a high pressure system over the Great Lakes. The low level convergence of air will enhance rising motion and prolonged rainfall could occur over inland parts of South Carolina and North Carolina. Flood Watches are in effect for parts of eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, bands in the eastern side of Hurricane Franklin were producing gusty winds in Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 34.2°N and longitude 65.9°W which put it about 145 miles (235 km) north-northwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 961 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Idalia Hits North Florida

Hurricane Idalia hit North Florida on Wednesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Idalia was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 83.5°W which put it about 10 miles (15 km) south-southeast of Perry, Florida. Idalia was moving toward the north-northeast at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 950 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. The Hurricane Warning included Tampa Bay. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia to Edisto Beach, South Carolina. . A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina. The Hurricane Watch included Charleston, South Carolina. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina, Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

The center of Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the coast of Florida near Keaton Beach on Wednesday morning. The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Hurricane Idalia. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) in the eastern side of Idalia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the western side of Idalia. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 33.2. Hurricane Idalia was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

The winds in Hurricane Idalia were blowing water toward the west coast of Florida. Those winds were causing a storm surge along the coast. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida. The Storm Surge Warning included Tampa Bay. A Storm Surge Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Catherine’s Sound, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina. The Storm Surge Warning included Charleston, South Carolina.

Hurricane Idalia was dropping heavy rain over parts of northern Florida, southern Georgia and southwestern South Carolina. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches were in effect for parts of northern Florida, southern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

An upper level trough over the central U.S. will steer Hurricane Idalia toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Idalia will move inland over northern Florida and southeastern Georgia. The center of Idalia will be near Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday night. Hurricane Idalia will weaken gradually as the center of circulation moves farther inland. Idalia will bring strong gusty winds to northern Florida, southeastern Georgia, coastal South Carolina and coastal North Carolina. Widespread electricity outages could occur. The wind will continue to blow water toward the west coast of Florida during the next few hours and the storm surge will continue. Hurricane Idalia will continue to drop locally heavy rain over parts of northern Florida, and southern Georgia. Heavy rain will spread over parts of South Carolina and North Carolina.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Franklin was west-northwest of Bermuda. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 33.3°N and longitude 67.6°W which put it about 180 miles (290 km) west-northwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.