[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Tue Aug 29 16:13:38 CDT 2023

WTUS82 KTBW 292113
HLSTBW
FLZ043-050-052-056-057-061-139-142-148-149-151-155-160-162-165-239-242-248-249-251-255-260-262-265-300515-

Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 13
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL  AL102023
513 PM EDT Tue Aug 29 2023

This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida

**IDALIA CONTINUES TO INTENSIFY, CATASTROPHIC STORM SURGE IS EXPECTED
WITH LANDFALL**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Hurricane Watch has been cancelled for Coastal Sarasota and
      Inland Sarasota

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 240 miles south-southwest of Cedar Key FL or about 160
      miles southwest of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL
    - 26.1N 84.8W
    - Storm Intensity 100 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 16 mph

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

Hurricane Idalia is continuing to intensify as it moves north and
eventually northeast across the eastern Gulf of Mexico through
Wednesday. Catastrophic storm surge will accompany the storm as it
makes landfall. 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 northern Nature Coast could see
catastrophic 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 10 to 15 feet along the Levy county coastline,
8 to 12 across the Citrus County coastline, 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. Idalia is forecast to intensify into a major
hurricane. 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:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
West Central and Southwest Florida. Remain well away from life-
threatening surge having possible catastrophic impacts. If realized,
these impacts 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:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
West Central and Southwest Florida. Remain well sheltered from life-
threatening wind having possible devastating impacts. If realized,
these impacts 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:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
West Central and Southwest Florida. Remain well guarded against
dangerous flood waters having possible significant impacts. If
realized, these impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and
      ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation
      at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some
      streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and
      retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous.
      Some road and bridge closures.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across West
Central and Southwest Florida. Remain well braced against a dangerous
tornado event having possible significant impacts. If realized, these
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:
Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear
to return.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch
or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic
rise in water levels.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.

* 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 12AM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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