Sean Breslin
Tropical Storm Idalia is soon to become a hurricane, and Florida has been put on alert that the storm could bring life-threatening impacts to parts of the Gulf Coast and areas inland.
(MORE: Get The Latest Idalia Forecast | Maps Tracker)
Here's the latest on how people are getting ready for this storm; check back all day for new information:
(10:40 a.m. ET) Pasco County Issues Mandatory Evacuations
Pasco County, located on the west central coast of Florida, is the first county in the state to issue mandatory evacuations.
Residents must evacuate according to the county’s zone map. Individuals also must evacuate if they live in a manufactured home such as a mobile home or RV, a low-lying area, an area that is prone to flooding or a structure that has historically experienced flooding during heavy rainfall.
Schools across the county will also be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
(9:10 a.m. ET) Fuel Contamination Complicates Preparation Efforts
Human error was blamed over the weekend when diesel fuel was switched for gasoline at more than two dozen Citgo stations near the west coast of Florida. Customers who filled up after 10 a.m. Saturday at the Citgo stations listed here were at risk of potential contamination.
The stations affected by the contamination spanned from Fort Myers northward to Brooksville.
Here's more on this developing situation.
(8:20 a.m. ET) EMA Director: 'My Biggest Fear Is Storm Surge'
Speaking to The Weather Channel this morning, Hernando County Emergency Management Agency Director David DeCarlo shared his biggest fear as Idalia was expected to come ashore in the area.
"My biggest fear is storm surge," he said.
"My other biggest fear is people are not going to take this seriously," DeCarlo added. "It's been a long time since we've been affected by this type of category storm. Please don't take it lightly."
You can see more of the interview here.
(7:30 a.m. ET) Florida's Second Tax-Free Holiday Underway
Saturday was the first day of Florida's second Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday of the year, and it runs through Sept. 8. Here are some items that are tax-exempt and could be used to better prepare for a tropical cyclone like Idalia:
-A nonelectric food storage cooler with a sales price of $60 or less
-A portable power bank with a sales price of $60 or less
-A portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather-band radio with a sales price of $50 or less
-A portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage with a sales price of $3,000 or less (and here are some very important tips for safe generator use)
The Florida Department of Revenue has a complete list.
(7 a.m. ET) Here's How Florida Is Preparing For Idalia
Preparations for the storm are escalating, including:
-State of emergency declared for 33 counties
-1,100 Florida National Guard members activated
-2,400 high water vehicles available for potential rescues
-300 Florida Highway Patrol troopers ready to deploy
(6:30 a.m. ET) School Closures Underway Today
The Florida Department of Education announced a few districts are closing due to Idalia, with more closures likely as the storm gets closer to the state.
-Hernando County Schools: Closed today through Wednesday
-Citrus County Schools: Half-day today; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Additional updates will be provided here.
(6 a.m. ET) Florida's West Coast Is Especially Prone To Storm Surge
Another concerning factor of Idalia's eventual track is how prone to storm surge much of Florida's west coast can be. This will further worsen the impacts of the storm, with peak storm surge of 7-11 feet expected along parts of Florida's Big Bend.
"So it will not take a strong system or a direct hit to produce significant storm surge," said Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center. "So if you’re anywhere along the Florida Peninsula, western Florida Peninsula, so let’s say from about Fort Myers northward to the Panhandle, you've really got to be paying attention."
(5:30 a.m. ET) Floridians Line Up For Food, Gas And Water
Preparations are underway in areas like Tallahassee and Tampa as the rush to get supplies is on. Video taken yesterday showed long lines for gas and other crucial supplies, and stores are expected to be packed again today.
Here's a handy checklist for how to prepare for a storm like Idalia.
(5 a.m. ET) Idalia Projected To Be A Major Hurricane At Florida Landfall
In a concerning trend, the forecast for Idalia indicates rapid intensification is increasingly likely prior to the storm's expected Florida landfall, and that could bring it to a Category 3 or stronger when it strikes the coastline. The NHC's official forecast for the storm projects Idalia to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall sometime Wednesday morning.
"The bottom line is that rapid intensification is becoming increasingly likely before landfall, and the NHC forecast now explicitly indicates it" in the next 24 to 48 hours, the hurricane center said this morning.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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