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Low Pressure System Drops Heavy Rain on North Carolina

A low pressure system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight dropped heavy rain over parts of North Carolina on Monday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight was located at latitude 33.1°N and longitude 78.3°W which put the center about 60 miles (95 km) south-southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina.  The low pressure system was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 1005 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from South Santee River, South Carolina to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina.

A low pressure system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight dropped heavy rain over the area near Cape Fear, North Carolina.  Even though the center of circulation was still over the Atlantic Ocean, converging wind flows in the northern side of the low pressure system generated a band of persistent heavy rain.  Heavy rain fell over eastern South Carolina, and central and eastern North Carolina.  Widespread flooding was reported in Carolina Beach.

Flash Flood Warnings were in effect for Columbus County, Brunswick County and Bladen County.

The low pressure system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will move around the southwestern part of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of the low pressure system will move near the border between South Carolina and North Carolina.

The low pressure system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will weaken steadily as it moves farther inland.  Even though the low pressure system will weaken, it will continue to drop heavy rain over parts of North Carolina.  Persistent heavy rain is likely to cause additional flooding.

Elsewhere, Tropical Depression Gordon continued to spin east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Gordon was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 48.1°W which put the center about 985 miles (1580 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Gordon was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1006 mb.

 

Low Pressure System Prompts Tropical Storm Warning for the Carolinas

A potential risk posed by a low pressure system prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Warning for the coast of the Carolinas.  The low pressure system was designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight by the U.S. National Hurricane Center.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight was located at latitude 32.1°N and longitude 77.8°W which put the center about 140 miles (220 km) east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.  The low pressure system was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Charleston, South Carolina.

An extratropical cyclone off the coast of the Carolinas began to exhibit some characteristics of a tropical storm on Sunday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of the low pressure system.  Bands of thunderstorms began to develop around the low pressure system.  However, the low pressure system was still close to a nearly stationary frontal system.  So, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern side of the low pressure system.  Bands in the southern part of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The distribution of winds speeds in Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the northern side of the low pressure system.  The winds in the southern side of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the western part of an upper level low off the coast of the Southeast U.S.  The upper level low will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight could make a transition to a tropical cyclone during the next 12 hours.  It could also intensify on Monday.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the North Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer the low pressure system toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will make landfall on the coast of South Carolina northeast of Charleston on Monday afternoon.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of South Carolina and North Carolina.  The strong winds could cause electricity outages.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations,

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of South Carolina and eastern North Carolina.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight could cause a storm surge of up to 4 feet (1 meter) along the coast of eastern South Carolina and North Carolina.  Waves will also cause erosion of beaches.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Storm Gordon weakened to a tropical depression east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression Gordon was located at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 46.1°W which put the center about 1115 miles (1790 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Gordon was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 1007 mb.

Idalia Prompts Tropical Storm Warning for Bermuda

The likely effect of former Tropical Storm Idalia prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Warning for Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of former Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 32.0°N and longitude 66.5°W which put it about 100 miles (160 km) west of Bermuda. Idalia was moving toward the east-southeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

The circulation around former Tropical Storm Idalia existed primarily in the lower levels of the atmosphere on Friday afternoon. Bands of showers and lower clouds were revolving around the center of former Tropical Storm Idalia. An upper level trough off the East Coast of the U.S. was producing strong westerly winds that were blowing over the top of Idalia’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear and they were blowing the tops off of any thunderstorms that started to develop. The circulation around former Tropical Storm Idalia was large. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 240 miles (390 km) from the center of Idalia’s circulation.

The upper level trough will steer former Tropical Storm Idalia toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Idalia will be near Bermuda on Saturday morning. Former tropical storm Idalia will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to Bermuda on Saturday.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Franklin made a transition to a strong extratropical cyclone northeast of Bermuda, Tropical Storm Jose was being absorbed by the much larger circulation around Hurricane Franklin, Tropical Storm Gert redeveloped east of Bermuda and Tropical Depression Twelve developed northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 39.5°N and longitude 53.8°W which put it about 790 miles (1270 km) northeast of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 979 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Jose was located at latitude 39.4°N and longitude 49.1°W which put it about 1005 miles (1615 km) northeast of Bermuda. Jose was moving toward the north-northeast at 32 m.p.h. (52 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Gert was located at latitude 27.8°N and longitude 54.4°W which put it about 695 miles (1120 km) east-southeast of Bermuda. Gert was moving toward the east-southeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 1006 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Twelve was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 28.7°W which put it about 450 miles (730 km) northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. The tropical depression was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 1006 mb.

Tropical Storm Idalia Moves Away from North Carolina

Tropical Storm Idalia moved away from North Carolina on Thursday. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 33.6°N and longitude 74.8°W which put it about 120 miles (195 km) southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Idalia was moving toward the east at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City, North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Warning included Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

Tropical Storm Idalia was moving quickly away from North Carolina on Thursday afternoon. An upper level trough over the east coast of the U.S. was producing strong westerly winds that were blowing across the top of Idalia’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear and they were blew the top of Idalia’s circulation away from circulation in the lower levels of the atmosphere. Drier air wrapped into the southern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Idalia. As a result of the strong vertical wind shear and the drier air, the bands revolving around the center of Idalia’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Idalia will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Idalia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, the upper level trough over the east coast of the U.S. will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong vertical wind shear and drier air are likely to cause Tropical Storm Idalia to weaken during the next 36 hours. Idalia could exhibit many of the characteristics of an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough over the east coast of the U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Idalia toward the east during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Idalia will move quickly away from North Carolina. Tropical Storm Idalia will approach Bermuda during the weekend.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Franklin moved farther away from Bermuda and Tropical Storm Jose developed over the Central Atlantic. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 35.1°N and longitude 61.6°W which put it about 265 miles (430 km) northeast of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the east-northeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Jose was located at latitude 29.7°N and longitude 52.1°W which put it about 770 miles (1245 km) east of Bermuda. Jose was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1010 mb.

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.

Hurricane Idalia Strengthens to Cat. 2

Hurricane Idalia strengthened to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Tuesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Idalia was located at latitude 26.1°N and longitude 84.8°W which put it about 195 miles (310 km) southwest of Tampa, Florida. Idalia was moving toward the north at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 972 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 Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Florida 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 Chokoloskee 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 Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Surf City, North Carolina. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City, North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Watch included Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

Hurricane Idalia intensified steadily during Tuesday afternoon. A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Idalia’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Idalia’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Idalia grew larger when Idalia intensified. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Idalia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the eastern side of Hurricane Ida. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles in the western side of Ida’s circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Ida was 16.5. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 8.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 24.5.

Hurricane Idalia will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Idalia will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move into a region between an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Peninsula and an upper level trough over the central U.S. The upper level winds are weaker between the ridge and the trough and there will be little vertical wind shear during the next 12 hours. The upper level winds will be stronger when Idalia moves closer to the upper level trough on Wednesday morning. Hurricane Idalia will intensify during the next 12 hours. Idalia could rapidly intensify at times. Hurricane Idalia is likely to strengthen to a major hurricane.

Hurricane Idalia will move around the western end of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system and the upper level trough over the central U.S. will steer Idalia toward the north-northeast during the next 12 hours. The upper level trough will turn Idalia toward the northeast on Wednesday. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Idalia will likely to make landfall on the coast of the northeast Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday morning. Idalia is likely to make landfall as a major hurricane.

Hurricane Idalia is forecast to be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast of Florida. Idalia could be similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005. Hurricane Idalia is likely to make landfall in an area where high storm surges can occur. Idalia could cause a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) near where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida. The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay. Hurricane Idalia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of central and northern Florida. Idalia will be capable of causing major damage over parts of northern and northeastern Florida. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Strong winds and heavy rain will spread over eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina when Idalia moves toward the northeast. Flood Watches are in effect for parts of northern Florida, eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin was west of Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 31.4°N and longitude 69.9°W which put it about 305 miles (490 km) west of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 947 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Idalia Strengthens to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Idalia strengthened to a hurricane over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Idalia was located at latitude 23.8°N and longitude 84.8°W which put it about 320 miles (515 km) south-southwest of Tampa, Florida. Idalia was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 977 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 Cuban Province of Pinar del Rio. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee 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 Dry Tortugas. 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 also in effect for the Cuban Province. of Isle of Youth. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Former Tropical Storm Idalia strengthened to a hurricane after the center of Idalia moved north of the western end of Cuba. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Idalia’s circulation. A weather radar at La Bajada, Cuba showed a small eye developed at the center of Hurricane Idalia. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Idalia’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Idalia grew larger when Idalia intensified. Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Idalia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Idalia will move into an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Idalia will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move into a region between an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Peninsula and an upper level trough over the central U.S. The upper level winds are weaker between the ridge and the trough and there will be little vertical wind shear during the next 12 to 18 hours. The upper level winds will be stronger when Idalia moves closer to the upper level trough on Wednesday morning. Hurricane Idalia will intensify during the next 24 hours. Idalia could intensify rapidly now that an inner core with an eye and an eyewall have developed. Hurricane Idalia could strengthen to a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Idalia will move around the western end of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system and the upper level trough over the central U.S. will steer Idalia toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Idalia is likely to make landfall on the coast of the northeast Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday morning. Idalia could make landfall as a major hurricane.

Hurricane Idalia is forecast to be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast of Florida. Idalia could be similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005. Hurricane Idalia is likely to make landfall in an area where high storm surges can occur. Idalia could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.5 meters) near where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida. The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay. Hurricane Idalia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of central and northern Florida. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin was a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale over the Atlantic Ocean west-southwest of Bermuda. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 30.4°N and longitude 70.7°W which put it about 370 miles (600 km) west-southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the north-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (270 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 941 mb. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Bermuda.

Tropical Storm Idalia Causes Hurricane Warning for West Coast of Florida

The imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Idalia caused the issuance of a Hurricane Warning for the west coast of Florida on Monday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 85.2°W which put it about 80 miles (130 km) south-southwest of the western end of Cuba. Idalia was moving toward the north at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Ochlockonee River to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. The Hurricane Warning included Tampa Bay. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Province of Pinar del Rio. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portions of the coast from Englewood to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida and from the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida. 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 Tulum to Rio Lagartos, Mexico. The Tropical Storm Warning included Cozumel. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Province. of Isle of Youth. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

Tropical Storm Idalai strengthened gradually on Monday morning. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Idalia’s circulation. Even though Tropical Storm Idalia was stronger, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms in Idalia were in bands in the southern and eastern parts of the circulation. Bands north and west of the center of circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Storm Idalia was under the eastern part of an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Peninsula. The ridge was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Idalia’s circulation. Those winds were causing vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Idalia will move into an environment that will become more favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Idalia will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move into a region between the upper level ridge over the Yucatan Peninsula and an upper level low over the northern Gulf of Mexico. The upper level winds are weaker between the ridge and the low and there will be less vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Idalia will intensify to a hurricane during the next 24 hours. Idalia could intensify rapidly when the upper level winds weaken. Idalia could strengthen to a major hurricane on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Idalia will move around the western end of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Idalia toward the north during the next 24 hours. The center of Idalia will pass near the western end of Cuba in a few hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Idalia will move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Monday night. An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will turn Idalia toward the northeast later on Tuesday. Idalia is likely to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday morning. Idalia could make landfall as a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Idalia will drop heavy rain over parts of the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Idalia could be be a major hurricane when it reaches the west coast of Florida. Idalia is likely to make landfall in an area where high storm surges can occur. Idalia could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.5 meters) near where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Ocholockonee River, Florida. The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay. Idalia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of central and northern Florida. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin rapidly intensified to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale was over the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Bermuda. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 27.8°N and longitude 71.0°W which put it about 480 miles (770 km) southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 170 m.p.h. (280 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 937 mb. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Bermuda.

Tropical Storm Idalia Prompts Hurricane Watch for West Coast of Florida

A risk posed by Tropical Storm Idalia prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Watch for part of the west coast of Florida. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 85.5°W which put it about 95 miles (155 km) east-southeast of Cozumel. Idalia was moving toward the northeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (60 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 995 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida. The Hurricane Watch included Tampa Bay. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, Mexico. The Tropical Storm Warning included Cozumel. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Province. of Pinar del Rio. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Chokoloskee, Florida. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Isle of Youth.

Tropical Storm Idalia did not change a lot on Sunday afternoon. A few more thunderstorms developed near the low level center of circulation. The low level center of circulation was meandering around inside of a larger counterclockwise rotation over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea. There were bands of showers and thunderstorms in the larger counterclockwise circulation. The thunderstorms in the larger circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the low level center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Idalia will be in an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Idalia will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will be under an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Channel. The winds are weak in the upper level ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, much of the air moving around the western side of Tropical Storm Idalia will pass over the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the air in the eastern side of the Idalia will pass over western Cuba. The flow of air over land will inhibit intensification, but it probably will not prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Idalia could intensify slowly during the next 12 hours. Idalia could intensify more quickly on Monday when it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane by Monday night

.Tropical Storm Idalia will be in a region where the steering currents are weak during the next 12 hours. Idalia may not move much during that time period. A high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean will start to steer Idalia toward the north on Monday. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Idalia will move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Monday. An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. could start to turn Idalia toward the northeast later on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Idalia will drop heavy rain over parts of the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to be a hurricane when it reaches the west coast of Florida. Idalia is likely to make landfall in an area where high storm surges can occur. Idalia could cause a storm surge of up to 11 feet (3.3 meters) near where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, Florida. The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin was over the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 25.9°N and longitude 70.0°W which put it about 535 miles (855 km) southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 970 mb.