After the devastating effects of Hurricane Hilary in Southern California, Florida is about to face another of its usual hurricanes. The first tremors of Hurricane Idalia’s outer bands were felt along the southwest coast of Florida on Tuesday afternoon.
During the initial phases, Hurricane Hilary was classified as a category 2 storm. But with the passing of time, the storm is expected to evolve into category 4 within a few days.
As of 2 a.m. on Wednesday, the storm had sustained winds of 120mph and proceeded towards the Gulf of Mexico.
Here are some predictions on the nature and the course of the storm–
- The system is estimated to move towards the north-northeast band within half a day.
- A landfall is expected along the northeastern Gulf Coast.
- The storm might then move from northeastward to eastward on the southern side of a mid-level trough.
- And according to most forecasts, experts have warned Floridians that Idalia might return to its path and hit the state again.
Can Hurricane Idalia Hit Florida Twice?
The Global Forecasting System, which is a U.S. federal hurricane projection model, has predicted that Hurricane Idalia could circle back to its path. By early next week, the storm could strike Florida again.
Going by the GFS forecast, Idalia will hit Florida’s Big Bend region by Wednesday. Later the same morning, the storm will proceed across North Florida. It is estimated that this region will be adversely affected by flash flooding, heavy rainfall, and winds in excess of 100 mph.
After the straight course, it will trace a curvature along Georgia and South Carolina and finally get back into the Atlantic.
According to the federal spaghetti model estimation, Idalia might turn towards the southwest and circle back to Florida’s Atlantic coast. A second landfall is expected earlier next week. Although, experts believe that the storm will devolve considerably by then.
Can Idalia Come Back to Florida?
The firm basis for this prediction is because of Florida’s “big bend” rural region. As per the evaluations, this region is highly susceptible to flooding since it has a very shallow coastal shelf.
Hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach told The Daily Beast that this region “acts like a ramp for the storm surge.” This is the result of a tropical system. Klotzbach elaborated that Florida’s eastern coast contrasts the gulf’s shallow shelf, which can “reflect some of that storm surge back into the sea.”
Where Will Idalia Go After Florida?
The forecasts have stated that after the landfall, Idalia will turn towards the northeast and east-northeast, moving near or along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina in a couple of days.
The Hurrican Center has stated–
“While Idalia should weaken after landfall, it is likely to still be a hurricane while moving across southern Georgia, and near the coast of Georgia or southern South Carolina late today. Idalia should emerge off the southeastern United States coast early on Thursday and move eastward through late week.”
Where Is Idalia Predicted to Hit?
Idalia is further predicted to surge from the Wakulla/Jefferson County line to Yankeetown. The storm will evolve and traverse from south to north, ranging from 12 to 16 feet. State capital Tallahassee is subjected to high alert because of the intensifying hurricane.
Apart from these regions, landfall is expected along Cedar Key and nearing locations of Florida’s Big Bend. Around 22 counties are monitored for a tornado watch, with threat possibility until 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 49 counties. He has sanctioned precautionary measures, deploying more than 5,500 National Guard members. He further mentioned that 30,000-40,000 electricity workers would be on hand to restore power after the storm hits.
He has urged people in 28 countries to evacuate immediately.
What is your take on these predictions? Do you think Idalia will hit Florida twice?
Let us know in the comments section below.
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