10 a.m. Update on Idalia: Nearing Hurricane Strength, Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings Issued

Satellite imagery indicates that there is a significant burst of convection occurring now near the center of Idalia, which is a sign of strengthening. There appears to be a large feeder band forming on the right side of the cyclone, which may become a significant source of deep tropical moisture being sucked out of the southwestern Caribbean.

The storm is certainly over high oceanic heat content water, some of the highest in the Atlantic basin.

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters did not hit the exact center on the last pass, but did record a surface wind to near 60 knots, just shy of hurricane strength which is 64 knots.

The Air Force recon crew found the pressure had not changed much as their pass did come close to the center as they found a nearly calm wind.

The new forecast track is shifted ever so slightly to the left, with landfall coming about 7-8 am CDT about 25 miles north of Cedar Key. Of course, there is a lot of uncertainty still in a forecast this far out, and the center could make landfall anywhere between Carabelle to St. Pete. So we can’t focus on the exact track, only trends.

Needless to say everyone in the area from Indian Pass to Key West, through North Central Florida, into coastal area of eastern Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas should pay close attention to their local forecasts and advice from local officials.

WATCH WARNING CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

A Storm Surge Warning has been issued from Englewood northward to
the Ochlockonee River, including Tampa Bay.

A Hurricane Warning has been issued from the Middle of Longboat Key
northward to the Ochlockonee River, including Tampa Bay.

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued from Chokoloskee northward
to the Middle of Longboat Key, and from west of the Lockheed
River westward to Indian Pass.

A Storm Surge Watch has been issued from Mouth of the St. Mary’s
River to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Atlantic coast of
Florida and Georgia from Sebastian Inlet, Florida northward to
Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Tropical