[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Tue Aug 29 04:10:31 CDT 2023

WTUS82 KTBW 290910
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Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 11
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL  AL102023
510 AM EDT Tue Aug 29 2023

This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida

**IDALIA NOW A HURRICANE AND EXPECTED TO RAPIDLY INTENSIFY INTO AN
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS MAJOR HURRICANE BEFORE LANDFALL ON WEDNESDAY**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal
      Levy, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Pasco, Inland Citrus, and
      Pinellas
    - A Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, and Hurricane
      Watch are in effect for Coastal Sarasota
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Inland Hernando, Inland
      Hillsborough, Inland Levy, Inland Manatee, Inland Pasco, and
      Sumter
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Inland Sarasota
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect
      for Coastal Charlotte and Coastal Lee
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for DeSoto, Hardee,
      Inland Charlotte, Inland Lee, and Polk

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 340 miles south-southwest of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL or
      about 310 miles southwest of Fort Myers FL
    - 23.1N 85.0W
    - Storm Intensity 75 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Hurricane Idalia is starting to lift north off of western Cuba this
morning. Idalia is forecast to continue moving north and eventually
northeast across the eastern Gulf of Mexico through Wednesday, and
intensifying into a major hurricane. Watches and Warnings remain in
effect for West Central and Southwest Florida and the adjacent coastal
waters.

The following are the primary hazards of concern with Idalia:

* Storm Surge - Areas across the Nature Coast are forecast to see
extreme life-threatening levels of storm surge, with life- threatening
surge also possible across west-central Florida. The main period of
surge looks to occur late this afternoon through early Thursday. Storm
surge inundation could reach 8 to 12 feet along the Levy and Citrus
county coastlines, 6 to 9 feet along the Hernando and Pasco county
coastlines, 4 to 7 feet for the Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee
county coastlines, 3 to 5 feet along the Sarasota county coast, and
2 to 4 feet along Charlotte and Lee counties.

* Wind - Winds will start to increase through the day today, with
hurricane force winds possible across much of the area, especially
near the coast. Tropical storm force winds will be possible across the
southern zones. Rush to completion any preparedness activities this
morning. Downed trees and powerlines, with prolonged power outages
will be possible.

* Rainfall - Rain bands from Idalia will lift over the area today as
the storm approaches, with the more consistent tropical rains with the
storm possible later today through Wednesday. A slight to moderate
risk for flooding is possible, mainly along the coast and across the
northern zones, closer to the center of the storm. Rainfall totals of
4 to 8 inches with locally higher amounts up to 12 inches is possible.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible devastating
impacts across west central and southwest Florida. Potential impacts
in this area include:
    - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly
      accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to
      buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded
      from considerable floating debris. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or
      severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      stressed.
    - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
    - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted
      onshore and stranded.

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across west central and southwest Florida. Potential impacts
in this area include:
    - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
      and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
      greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
      may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Widespread power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across west central and southwest Florida.
Potential impacts include:
    - 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.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across west central and southwest Florida. Potential impacts
include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
      of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
    - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
      homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
      uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about. Dangerous
      projectiles can add to the toll.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local officials for recommended preparedness actions.
If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.

For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind,
falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move,
relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help
keep roadways open for those under evacuation orders.

If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time
to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle
ahead of time.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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