Tropical Storm Idalia, which started brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, is showing signs it could organize into a hurricane. The storm is projected to hit the Florida Big Bend region by early Wednesday, though its exact path is still uncertain.
Idalia, which is sustaining 45 mph winds as of Sunday night, is forecast to strengthen into a lower-end hurricane during the first few days of the week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 33 counties, including Alachua County, in preparation for the tropical storm’s possible impacts.
“Floridians along our Gulf Coast should be vigilant even if you’re currently outside the cone,” DeSantis said in a press conference Aug. 27. “We issued an executive order yesterday to allow prep time and to stage resources to be able to respond to the storm’s aftermath.”
Alachua County Emergency Management announced a tropical disturbance alert Aug. 25, urging residents to take protective measures and stay cautious.
Storms can be unpredictable, UF Chief Meteorologist Jeff George said, so meteorologists won’t know the exact strength until the system develops further.
Record-breaking ocean temperatures may help fuel the storm and are already contributing to an above-average hurricane season. Ocean temperatures near the Everglades hit 101.1 degrees in July.
The average number of named storms in a season is 14, George said. By early this week, he predicts that the forecast will show 10 storms for this season so far. Peak hurricane season, he added, won’t even arrive until Sep. 10.
UF is closely monitoring the development of Idalia, said Director of Emergency Management Kenneth Allen. If the UF is forecasted to be in the storm’s path — like with Hurricane Ian in September 2022 — preparations will be in place, he said.
“Whether it's this storm or another storm,” he said. “It's a reminder that we're entering the peak of hurricane season and we should all be prepared.”
Students should be stocked with three days’ worth of nonperishable food and water ahead of the storm, Allen said. It’s important to have a plan in case of emergency, he added, and to stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts.
The Florida Storms app, run by UF, provides information from local officials as well as advisories from the National Hurricane Center or National Weather Service. Updated forecasts, evacuation zones and survival tips are also available through the app.
“Make sure people are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” George said.
Some additional safety tips include:
Keep the gas tank at least half full in case evacuation is necessary
Have a battery-powered radio and flashlight on hand
Refill prescription medications ahead of time, as the storm could lead to unplanned shutdowns
Be prepared to lose power during the storm
Stock up on water
Make sure to have food staples
Contact Kylie Williams at kyliewilliams@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @KylieWilliams99.
Kylie Williams is the Fall 2024 Enterprise Editor and a junior journalism major. Previously, she worked for the enterprise desk as the environment reporter. In her free time, she can be found reading, baking or watching reality TV with her cat.
