Tropical Storm Idalia updates: Florida braces for hurricane’s landfall
Written by ABC AUDIO ALL RIGHTS RESERVED on August 28, 2023
(NEW YORK) — Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday as it bears down on Florida.
Idalia could become a major Category 3 hurricane by Tuesday night.
Landfall is currently forecast for Wednesday morning in Florida’s Big Bend area, north of Tampa.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Aug 28, 8:33 AM EDT
Idalia’s latest forecast
Idalia may rapidly intensify on Monday night and Tuesday, strengthening to a major Category 3 hurricane by Tuesday night.
Landfall is currently forecast for Wednesday morning in Florida’s Big Bend area.
Storm surge is expected to be severe. It could reach 4 to 7 feet in Tampa and up to 11 feet in the Big Bend area.
Up to 10 inches of rain is possible in north Florida. Tampa Bay could see more than 6 inches of rain.
By Wednesday evening, Idalia will be weaker — a tropical storm — as it moves near the Carolinas with heavy rain and gusty winds. Idalia is not expected to impact the Northeast.
-ABC News’ Max Golembo
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