Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

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Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area early Wednesday morning. 

The current forecast pegs Idalia as a Category 3 major hurricane at landfall. That is strong enough to drive a massive storm surge that could exceed 10 feet into the low-lying Big Bend area. A storm surge of 4 to 6 feet is forecast for the Tamba Bay area. (map above)

Idalia is strengthing over record warm water in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Satellite loops on Tuesday afternoon show Idalia is better organized. Idalia appears to be forming a distinct eye as of late Tuesday on NOAA’s GOES-16 infrared loop below. 

NOAA’s messages about storm surge are eerie. The Big Bend is so low, that I have seen estimates for several feet of storm surge up to 10 miles inland in those areas. 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

Hurricane Idalia will make landfall Wednesday morning in northwest Florida. 

Hurricane Idalia could bring 10 feet of surge to Florida's Big Bend coast

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