“Good Monday evening everybody, this is Meteorologist Tim Pandages here with your tropical update. Today, we’re talking about two systems: Tropical Storm Idalia and Major Hurricane Franklin. Idalia is on the verge of becoming a hurricane, while Franklin is currently a category four storm with the potential to reach category five. The update is for Monday, August 28, 2023. We also have Tropical Storm Medully, which is expected to upgrade to a Category 1 hurricane in the next few hours. Hurricane Franklin is not posing a threat to the US coastline or Bermuda, but Tropical Storm Idalia is impacting western Cuba with gusty winds, heavy rain, and storm surge. Idalia is expected to move north and potentially become a major hurricane before making landfall in the Florida Gulf Coast. We will be closely monitoring the storm’s intensity using satellite imagery and data from aircraft flying into the storm. Wind shear has been preventing Idalia from rapidly intensifying, but as it moves north, wind shear will decrease and warm sea surface temperatures will provide favorable conditions for intensification. However, dry air and water temperatures are also factors that could impact the storm’s strength. The current forecast track shows a potential landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida, but a slight shift in the track could significantly impact other areas, such as the Tampa Bay region. Impacts from the storm extend beyond the forecast cone, with heavy rainfall, strong winds, storm surge, and the possibility of tornadoes. We urge residents along the Gulf Coast to closely monitor the storm and prepare for possible impacts. Lastly, there is also organization and intensification of a weather system southwest of Tampa Bay, with the outer bands starting to pivot over the Florida Peninsula. There is a tornado threat and gusty squalls present in the outermost bands, and the center of the system is still south and west, but is expected to intensify and potentially reach major hurricane status. As the system moves towards Tampa Bay, the storm surge threat increases, and there is a potential landfall near Cedar Key with major hurricane conditions. The system also straddles the southeast coastline, bringing heavy rain and storm surge, with the Storm Prediction Center highlighting the tornado threat in red. There is a risk of freshwater flooding and rainfall of 5-10 inches in South Georgia and coastal South Carolina, and the wind gust forecast shows increasing strength, with the potential for 114 mph gusts at landfall. The storm surge forecast predicts the highest values to the east of the landfall location. In contrast, Hurricane Franklin remains a strong hurricane with 150 mph winds but is not a threat to land. Stay tuned for updates on our social media platforms.”
Tropical update
Tropical Storm Idalia and Major Hurricane Franklin
Monday, August 28, 2023
Good Monday evening, everybody! We have an exciting tropical update to share with you today. We’ll be discussing two systems: Tropical Storm Idalia and Major Hurricane Franklin. It’s currently Monday, August 28, 2023. Let’s dive into the details.
Idalia on verge of becoming a hurricane
Current status of Idalia
Tropical Storm Idalia is on the verge of becoming a hurricane. As of now, it is showing potential for significant development and could strengthen into a major hurricane.
Potential for major hurricane status
With its current path and favorable conditions, Idalia has the potential to reach major hurricane status before making landfall.
Factors affecting the storm’s strength
Several factors are affecting the strength of the storm. One key factor is wind shear, which has prevented Idalia from intensifying rapidly. However, as it moves north, the wind shear will decrease, allowing for more rapid intensification. Additionally, warm sea surface temperatures provide favorable conditions for intensification.
Tropical Storm Medully
Tropical Storm Medully is also causing concern. It is expected to upgrade to a Category 1 hurricane in the next few hours. We are closely monitoring its progress.
Major Hurricane Franklin
Major Hurricane Franklin is currently a Category 4 storm with winds of 150 mph. However, there is good news – it is not posing a threat to the US coastline or Bermuda.
Idalia impacting western Cuba
Effects on Cuba
Idalia is currently impacting western Cuba with gusty winds, heavy rain, and storm surge. Land areas are experiencing the effects of this storm.
Prediction of movement towards Florida Gulf Coast
Idalia is expected to move north and potentially become a major hurricane before making landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast. Gulf Coast residents should closely monitor the storm and prepare for possible impacts.
Monitoring Idalia’s intensity
Use of satellite imagery
We are closely monitoring the intensity of Idalia using satellite imagery. This allows us to track the storm’s cloud tops and detect any changes in intensity.
Data from aircraft
Data from aircraft, such as the Air Force hurricane hunter, is also being used to monitor the storm’s intensity. This data provides valuable information on the pressure and wind speed within the storm.
Effects of wind shear
Wind shear has been a significant factor affecting the storm’s strength. Currently, wind shear is preventing the storm from intensifying rapidly. However, as the storm moves north, the wind shear will decrease, allowing for more rapid intensification.
Favorable conditions for intensification
In addition to decreasing wind shear, Idalia is moving over warm sea surface temperatures and a moist atmosphere. These conditions provide a favorable environment for intensification.
Forecast track and potential landfall
Potential landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida
The current forecast track shows a potential landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida. However, it’s important to note that a slight shift in the track could significantly impact other areas, such as the Tampa Bay region.
Impact on Tampa Bay region
Residents of the Tampa Bay region should closely monitor the storm’s progress as they could be directly impacted by Idalia. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, storm surge, and the possibility of tornadoes are all potential impacts in this area.
Impacts beyond forecast cone
It’s crucial to remember that the impacts from the storm extend beyond the forecast cone. Areas outside the cone can still experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surge. It’s essential for residents along the Gulf Coast to stay informed and make necessary preparations.
Preparation for Gulf Coast residents
Residents along the Gulf Coast should take the necessary steps to prepare for the potential impacts of Idalia. This includes securing loose items, stocking up on essential supplies, and following any evacuation orders or advisories issued by local authorities.
Organization and intensification of a weather system
Location southwest of Tampa Bay
The weather system, which is southwest of Tampa Bay, is currently organizing and intensifying. It has a large diameter, extending over 400 miles from north to south.
Outer bands over Florida Peninsula
We are already seeing the outer bands of the system pivoting over the Florida Peninsula. These bands bring with them the threat of tornadoes and gusty squalls.
Tornado threat and gusty squalls
The outer bands of the system bring with them the risk of tornadoes and gusty squalls. Residents in these areas should stay alert and be prepared to take necessary precautions if tornado warnings are issued.
Center’s current position
Currently, the center of the system is still south and west, but it is expected to intensify and potentially reach major hurricane status. We will continue to monitor its movement closely.
Potential for major hurricane status
As the system continues to move towards Tampa Bay, the threat of storm surge increases. There is a potential for a major hurricane landfall near Cedar Key, bringing with it major hurricane conditions.
Storm surge threat and potential landfall
Increasing storm surge threat towards Tampa Bay
As the system approaches Tampa Bay, the storm surge threat increases. Residents in these areas should be prepared for potentially dangerous storm surge conditions.
Potential landfall near Cedar Key
The current forecast shows a potential landfall near Cedar Key. This location is at risk of experiencing major hurricane conditions. It’s crucial for residents in this area to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
Major hurricane conditions
With the potential for a major hurricane landfall, it’s important to be prepared for major hurricane conditions. This includes high winds, heavy rainfall, and significant storm surge.
Social media updates
We understand the importance of staying informed during severe weather events. That’s why we are committed to providing regular updates on social media platforms. Follow us for the latest information and updates on Tropical Storm Idalia and Major Hurricane Franklin.
In conclusion, we are currently tracking two significant weather systems: Tropical Storm Idalia and Major Hurricane Franklin. Idalia has the potential to become a hurricane and make landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast. We are closely monitoring its intensity using satellite imagery, aircraft data, and tracking factors like wind shear and favorable conditions for intensification. The forecast track shows a potential landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida, but areas beyond the forecast cone can still be impacted. Gulf Coast residents should be prepared for heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge, and possible tornadoes. The system southwest of Tampa Bay is intensifying and has the potential to become a major hurricane. The threat of storm surge is increasing towards Tampa Bay, and a potential landfall near Cedar Key brings the risk of major hurricane conditions. Stay updated through social media platforms for the latest information. Stay safe, and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property.