NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicated that the depression had intensified into Tropical Storm Idalia, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
Tropical Storm Idalia is currently located in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico. The storm is drifting to the east and is expected to remain near the Yucatan Peninsula until late Monday, when it will begin moving north and east into the Gulf of Mexico. As it moves north, it is projected to strengthen into a hurricane with winds of over 74 mph. Due to the very warm waters and weak wind shear in the Gulf of Mexico, rapid strengthening of this storm cannot be ruled out.
Most models indicate that the majority of impacts from this storm will occur near the Big Bend and Forgotten Coast regions of Florida, but the exact details of track and strength remain uncertain. Hurricane Hunters will continue to explore the storm today and gather data to be used in forecast models. By this evening, we will likely have a better idea of the future of this system.
For now, it is important that residents of the Florida panhandle counties in the FOX10 viewing area closely monitor the forecast. Although our area is not directly in the cone, shifts in the forecast track are still possible. It is too early to determine specific impacts to our area at this time.The main impact to the FOX10 viewing area will be rip currents. The rip current risk increases to high late Tuesday, and dangerous, life-threatening surf is expected.
Impacts from a system making landfall in the Big Bend of Florida would be minimal. The west side of a tropical system is typically drier. The FOX10 STORMtracker team is working to provide the latest updates on this system. Be sure to download the FOX10 Weather App for regular update videos!
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Live updates: Tropical Depression 10 likely to become Tropical Storm Idalia Sunday on path to FloridaLive updates on Tropical Depression 10 as it makes its way through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida. Latest models, cones, direction, speed, warnings, watches, and information.
Read more »
Tropical Storm Idalia forms in the lower Gulf of MexicoTropical Depression Ten has strengthened into Tropical Storm Idalia, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
Read more »
Much of Florida under state of emergency as possible tropical storm forms in Gulf of MexicoCurrently, it would be named “Idalia” if no other tropical storm form before it.
Read more »
Invest 93-L likely to strengthen into tropical storm moving toward Florida next weekThe First Alert Weather Team is tracking the disturbance over the western Caribbean, currently known as Invest 93-L, which has organized some from Friday night into Saturday morning.
Read more »
Much of Florida under state of emergency as possible tropical storm forms in Gulf of MexicoMuch of Florida is under a state of emergency as a tropical storm is possibly forming in the Gulf of Mexico. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared the state of emergency Saturday.
Read more »