TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Storm surge and hurricane watches have been issued for Tropical Storm Idalia, which formed Sunday, as it continues to linger around the Yucatan Peninsula.
The National Hurricane Center said Idalia is about 80 miles south-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico.
As of this report, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving north at 2 mph. It is likely the storm could reach Category 2 strength.
The NHC said the system will remain near the Yucatan Channel until it begins moving faster on Monday.
“It is expected to move northward into the Gulf of Mexico and become Tropical Storm Idalia,” Max Defender 8 meteorologist Eric Stone said. “Eventually Idalia will become a hurricane and move west of the Tampa Bay Area, bringing rain and wind Tuesday and Wednesday before moving north of our area.”
Portions of Florida’s west coast, the Panhandle, and south Georgia are forecast to get 3 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated higher totals of 10 inches. The Carolinas are also expected to get heavy rain as well.
Hurricane Watches are in effect for:
- Citrus County
- DeSoto County
- Hardee County
- Highlands County
- Hernando County
- Hillsborough County
- Manatee County
- Pasco County
- Pinellas County
- Polk County
- Sarasota County
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, including Cozumel
- Pinar del Rio Cuba
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
- Isle of Youth Cuba