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Forecasts for Tropical Storm Idalia suggest its center will pass hundreds of miles to the north of our home in Key West, heading inland near Tampa, where residents should be exercising caution. National Weather Service forecaster Joe Rizzo has suggested Idalia is a “candidate for rapid intensification.” The Keys News reports:
Florida Keys schools and government offices will remain open on Tuesday, Aug. 29, but a tropical storm warning remains in place for the Dry Tortugas area and a tropical storm watch for the Lower Florida Keys.
Monroe County Emergency Management Services Director Shannon Weiner did caution people to stay off the water for the next several days. No emergency shelters in the Keys have been opened.
Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service Forecast Office for the Florida Keys, briefed Keys governments, schools, law enforcement and hospital officials on Tropical Storm Idalia on Monday morning and evening.
“This is a candidate for rapid intensification,” Rizzo said of the potential of the storm.
Tropical Storm Idalia could bring 20 to 25 mph sustained winds, with the possibility of 60 mph gusts, to the Lower Florida Keys, according to Rizzo. There was a 30 mph gust already recorded on Big Pine Key.
There will be “thundering squalls,” Rizzo said of upcoming conditions. “We call them seasonal thunderstorms.”
Flooding could also be an issue in the Lower Keys, as tides are already high because of the full moon on Wednesday, Aug. 30. The higher tides will be in the morning, and Rizzo’s primary concern was flooding on the oceanside of the island. Flooding could be an issue through Wednesday, Rizzo said.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning for coastal flooding, with the possibility of 2 feet of flooding above high tide, Rizzo said.
The hurricane is expected to pass at least 300 miles to the west of Key West, Rizzo said. There is a “messy rain squall” on the east side of the tropical storm, Rizzo said.
Rizzo estimated 1 to 3 inches of rain, with the possibility of higher amounts in isolated areas. There will be flooding in some low-lying neighborhoods and minor to moderate beach erosion, Rizzo said.
“This is not going to be insignificant,” Rizzo said during the morning meeting.
Read more here.
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