Idalia a reminder to prepare
Idalia is the first tropical system to make a statement in the Gulf this hurricane season.
The system was forecast to become a dangerous “major hurricane” over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said.
Hurricane watches are in effect along the Gulf Coast from Sarasota County all the way north to Franklin County, Gov. Ron DeSantis noted at a Monday morning news briefing.
The system is expected to make landfall along the coast as a Category 3 early Wednesday morning.
A large swath of Florida is expected to experience impacts from Idalia, but the worst the storm has to offer will stretch from Tampa northward through the Big Bend region and into portions of the Panhandle.
A major hurricane is defined as a Category 3 system or stronger on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Center in Jacksonville said the Gainesville area should prepare for hurricane-force winds ranging between 74 and 110 mph.
As of mid-day Monday, Tropical Storm Idalia was located in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, about 75 miles offshore the Yucatan peninsula.
Slow but steady intensification is likely through the day on Monday, and Idalia will likely be at or nearing hurricane intensity by early Tuesday.
Idalia is expected to intensify early this week and hit Florida’s Gulf Coast as a major category three hurricane, according to officials.
Idalia reminds those who live near the Gulf Coast to be prepared for hurricane season.
NWS advocates the following:
TERMS TO KNOW
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings: Take these alerts seriously. Although Tropical Storms have lower wind speeds than hurricanes, they often bring life-threatening flooding and dangerous winds. Take precautions.
BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON
Determine safe evacuation routes; learn location of official shelters; make emergency plans for pets; check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and cell phones; buy food that will keep and store drinking water, buy plywood or other material to protect your home; clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts; trim trees and shrubbery; decide where to move your boat in an emergency; and review your insurance policy.
GATHER EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Gather food, water and medicine. Stores and pharmacies might be closed; organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit; Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.); Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies. Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container and medical supplies or equipment. Keep personal, financial and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
WHEN IN A WATCH AREA
Listen frequently to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for bulletins of a storm’s progress; fuel and service your vehicles, inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs, board up windows in case the storm moves quickly and you have to evacuate; stock up on batteries, food that will keep, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications; store lawn furniture and other loose, light-weight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools; and have cash on hand in case power goes out and ATMs don’t work. Plan to evacuate if you live in a mobile or manufactured home; live on the coastline, an offshore island or near a river or flood plain; or live in a high-rise.
WHEN IN A WARNING AREA
Closely monitor radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for official bulletins; close storm shutters; follow instructions issued by local officials, leave immediately if ordered; if evacuating, leave as soon as possible. Stay with friends or relatives, at a low-rise inland motel or at a designated public shelter outside the flood zone; DO NOT stay in a mobile or manufactured home; notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans; take pets with you if possible, but remember, most public shelters do not allow pets other than those used by the handicapped; identify pet-friendly motels along your evacuation route;
IF STAYING HOME
Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and keep closed; turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities, turn off propane tanks; unplug small appliances; fill bathtub and large containers with water in case tap water is unavailable. Use water in bathtubs for cleaning and flushing only. Do NOT drink it.
IF WINDS BECOME STRONG
Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway; close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors; if you are in a two story house, go to an interior 1st floor room; if you are in a multi-story building and away from water, go to the 1st or 2nd floor and stay in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows; lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.
BE ALERT FOR
Tornadoes: They are often spawned by hurricanes; the calm “eye” of the storm. It may seem like the storm is over but after the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.
AFTER THE STORM
Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio; wait until an area is declared safe before entering; Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, turn around don’t drown; avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads; stay on firm ground. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from power lines; once home, check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage; use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Never use candles and other open flames indoors; do not drink or prepare food with tap water until officials say it is safe; if using a generator, avoid electrocution by following manufacturer’s instructions and standard electric code.
REMINDER: If you are told to leave, do so immediately!
This information is adapted from a joint NWS, FEMA and American Red Cross brochure: www.weather.gov/os/brochures/hurr.pdf.
For links to forecasts, billion dollar hurricanes, service assessment, brochures, and more go to: www.weather.gov/os/hurricane
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: www.weather.gov/nwr
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
