Tropical Storm Idalia Update: System Heads Toward Florida, Expected to Become a Category 2 Hurricane [NHC]

Tropical Storm Idalia is heading toward Florida as its trajectory points to the Gulf Coast later this week. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Idalia is expected to become a category 2 hurricane or a major hurricane once it reaches the Gulf Coast on Wednesday, August 30, wherein it is expected to cause widespread flash flooding in west Florida and south Georgia. Other states could be impacted by the weather system as well.

The tropical storm comes after the United States experienced several weeks of combined severe thunderstorms and massive heatwaves in different parts of the country. Although no deadly or major hurricane formed since the Atlantic hurricane season in June, Idalia could repeat history as last year when category 5 Hurricane Ian slammed Florida in late September 2022, killing more than 100 people with multiple others missing.

Tropical Storm Idalia

In its forecast as of 4:00 a.m. CDT (local time) on Monday, the NHC said Tropical Storm Idalia is predicted to become a major hurricane before it reaches the Sunshine State's Gulf Coast, highlighting the continued risk posed by life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds, particularly in the western coastal areas of Florida and the Florida Panhandle starting as early as late Tuesday, August 29.

The U.S. hurricane monitoring agency also emphasized areas of flash flooding and urban flooding not only in the mentioned Florida sites, but also in southern Georgia, from Tuesday to Wednesday. It will then spread to the neighboring eastern Carolinas from Wednesday to Thursday, August 31.

Potential disruptions in the U.S. and even its neighboring Caribbean countries may include cancellation or delay of flights (both domestic and international), power outages, and road traffic movement due to the mentioned flash flooding threat.

In Cuba, the NHC said hurricane-force winds are expected across the western part of the country later Monday. In addition, raging floodwaters and landslides are expected due to heavy rain brought by the storm.

Also Read: Florida In High Risk For Impacts As Idalia Seen To Develop Into Hurricane

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

The categorization of storms and hurricanes is based on their wind strength. According to the NHC, the basis for their strength is derived from the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which consists of a total of 5 ratings, with category 1 as the weakest or lowest and category 5 as the strongest or highest scale.

For instance, hurricanes rater category 3 and above are considered major hurricanes, with sustained winds ranging from 154 to 252 kilometers or higher per hour. Meanwhile, a category 1 or 2 only ranges from 119 to 177 kilometers per hour.

In the U.S., a category 5 hurricane often leads to catastrophic damage large-scale destruction loss of life. In late August 2005, category 5 Atlantic Hurricane Katrina caused more than 1,000 deaths when it made landfall on the Gulf Coast of North America, particularly when it made landfall in southeast Louisiana. It is one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.