Idalia: Tropical Storm Idalia formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, August 28, 2023. The storm is currently located about 150 kilometers east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and is moving northeast at 5 kilometers per hour. Idalia has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking Idalia’s potential track and says the storm is likely to make landfall in the southern United States on Wednesday or Thursday. The NHC is warning that Idalia could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge to coastal areas.
Florida is currently under a tropical storm watch, and the NHC is urging residents to stay informed and make preparations for the storm. The Florida Department of Emergency Management has activated its emergency operations center and is working with local officials to prepare for Idalia.
Idalia is the ninth named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. The season is expected to be above average, with 14 to 21 named storms.