This product covers East Central Florida **Hurricane Idalia Moving Into Southern Georgia** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Volusia, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake * STORM INFORMATION: - About 150 miles north-northwest of Leesburg FL - 30.6N 83.2W - Storm Intensity 90 mph - Movement North-northeast or 30 degrees at 20 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Idalia made landfall along the coast of the Florida Big Bend near Keaton beach around 745 AM, with maximum sustained winds near 125 mph and an estimated central pressure of 949 mb. As of 1100 AM, Idalia is now a Category 1 hurricane, located 15 miles south- southeast of Valdosta, Georgia. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Lake, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Brevard counties. For the Atlantic waters, a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect north of Sebastian Inlet. In addition, a Tornado Watch remains in effect for Osceola and Brevard counties northward until 3 PM this afternoon. Showers and squalls associated with outer rain bands from Idalia continue to move across the Florida peninsula. As Idalia continues to the northeast, local conditions will gradually improve. However, gusty winds in squalls are still possible into at least the first half of the afternoon, and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. Windy conditions remain, even outside of squalls, and a Wind Advisory is in effect until 7 PM this evening. Rain amounts of 1 to 3 inches have fallen across portions of east- central Florida. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible before rain chances gradually decrease tonight. High seas, rough surf, life-threatening rip currents, and beach erosion are expected through the remainder of the day, with improving conditions into Thursday. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are ongoing across east- central Florida. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Some damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Several large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are ongoing across east-central 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. - Some 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 small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are ongoing across east-central Florida. Remain well guarded against locally hazardous flood waters having limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. Move to the safest place within your shelter if it begins to fail, preferably an interior room on the lowest floor as long as flooding is not a concern. 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 Melbourne FL around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.