Tropical Storm Idalia Path and Tracker: When Will It Hit Florida?

The anticipated Tropical Storm Idalia path has raised concerns as it potentially approaches Florida's Gulf Coast this week, with the potential to intensify into a Category 2 hurricane, per the South Florida SunSentinel.

In response to the potential threat, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a state of emergency for 33 counties in Florida.

Having originated on Sunday morning, Idalia is forecasted to attain hurricane status by Tuesday, with projections indicating a potential landfall along Florida's coast.

During a briefing on Sunday afternoon, Governor DeSantis noted that while the current trajectory suggests the Big Bend region as the probable target, the situation remains dynamic, and storm paths can shift unexpectedly.

He urged Tampa Bay and Bay County residents to remain vigilant and prepared.

Governor DeSantis cautioned that the storm could intensify to a Category 2 hurricane when it reaches land.

The predicted path indicates the storm veering northward toward Florida's Gulf Coast on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Addressing potential power outages, Governor DeSantis advised those in the storm's path to prepare for such scenarios.

Kevin Guthrie, the Director of Florida Division of Emergency Management, emphasized the need for individuals with medical dependencies or special needs to be vigilant regarding potential power disruptions.

Resources and assistance can be found at Floridadisaster.org/snr.

Guthrie reiterated the importance of recognizing storm surges' dangers, highlighting lessons learned from Hurricane Ian last year.

He emphasized that even a tiny distance of evacuation inland can significantly impact safety during a storm's impact.

For more information on emergency supply kits, individuals can visit Floridadisaster.org/kit.

Tropical Storm Idalia Tracker

Tropical Storm Idalia is on track to develop into a hurricane over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday.

There's potential for further strengthening as it approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast later Tuesday, Fox35 reported.

Currently, Idalia is characterized by a northeast movement at a speed of 3 mph, boasting maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

It is positioned approximately 95 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico.

The storm's trajectory is anticipated to involve a slow and potentially erratic motion overnight as it gradually shifts towards the north or north-northwest with an increasing forward speed.

Authorities have issued a storm surge watch from Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, Florida, encompassing Tampa Bay.

This advisory signifies the potential for life-threatening inundation from rising waters that could move inland from the coastline within the next 48 hours.

Furthermore, a hurricane watch is currently in effect for the region extending from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida, including Tampa Bay.

This watch indicates the possibility of encountering hurricane conditions in these areas.

Authorities Prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia Florida

In preparation for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Idalia, around 1,100 National Guardsmen have been activated and equipped with 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircraft for rescue and recovery operations, as revealed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Additionally, the Florida Highway Patrol has prepared 300 troopers for rapid deployment.

Governor DeSantis highlighted that power companies are set to position personnel on Monday, reinforcing readiness measures.

Concerning education, schools in Hernando County, located to the north of Tampa, are scheduled to remain closed from Monday through Wednesday.

Voluntary evacuations have been recommended for specific areas within the county, as communicated in a Facebook post.

The county advised residents to consider taking refuge with family or friends in secure structures. Alternatively, a public shelter will open at noon on Monday to accommodate those in need.

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the storm's trajectory and is anticipated to receive regular updates as the weather system progresses towards the United States, according to a White House official to CNN.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Tropical Storm Idalia forms, forecast to impact Florida later this week - From WPLG Local 10