ORLANDO, Fla. – As of the 5 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, the forecast track and cone of uncertainty for Tropical Storm Idalia has shifted a little more to the east. The intensity forecast also changed, ramping up the storm to possibly a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida early Wednesday.
As a result, hurricane watches have been issued for Sumter County and tropical storm watches for Lake and Polk counties until further notice.
[TRENDING: State of emergency declared for 33 Florida counties ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia | Woman dies after being shot by husband in Orange County, sheriff’s office says | Become a News 6 Insider]
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
The primary concerns for Central Florida is tropical downpours, strong wind gusts that could potentially cause damage and the chance for isolated tornadoes in fast moving storms as early as Tuesday.
There is an increasing risk for tropical storm force winds and gusts outside watch areas including along and north of Interstate 4. Hurricane force winds are possible in Sumter County where the watch has been issued.
Tropical downpours will be capable of producing 2-3 inches of rainfall with locally higher amounts up to 5 inches possible as of the latest model runs.
Isolated tornadoes will be possible in fast moving storms that develop Tuesday night into Wednesday as Idalia passes by to the north.
ACTIONS
As changes happen more frequently to the forecast for Idalia, those changes made need to be followed as they could make a big difference in the potential impacts mentioned above.
Having your hurricane supply kit ready to go in the event you need to use it.
Be ready to act if or when additional watches or warnings are issued.
Also, be sure to download the News 6 hurricane app that’s available for free in the app store.
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