Tropical update: Idalia expected to 'rapidly intensify' into major hurricane

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —

Idalia Update:

As of the 11 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Idalia (ee-DAL-ya) is a strong tropical storm with sustained winds of 65 mph. It is trying to form an eye wall right now and when that happens, the rapid intensification process begins. 

Idalia formed near the Yucatan Channel Sunday and is moving north at 8 mph. Later Monday, August 28, it will become a hurricane and likely will become a major hurricane by Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.

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A Hurricane Warning has been issued for the west coast of the Florida – that is on the Gulf coast side of the Peninsula. The region of the state could experience storm surge upwards of 11 feet along the Big Bend. And Tampa Bay could experience storm surge of 3-5 feet. 

Interests along the United States Gulf coast, especially Florida, are watching this system closely. Model data has still been clustering on the Big Bend of Florida, as a major category 3 hurricane. This is a prime set up to go from a category 1 to 3 hurricane in less than a day.

Franklin is not making the headlines since it will no affect land. It already crossed Hispaniola as a tropical storm but will not threaten land at its strongest. It just got done with its “rapid intensification” that Idalia will go through next.

This hurricane is officially the 130th documented category 4 hurricane and currently the strongest of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

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There’s still notable uncertainty with the track. Please stay tuned for updates from the WCNC Charlotte Weather Team. 

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Contact Brittany Van Voorhees at bvanvoorhe@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.