Tropical Depression Ten has now intensified into Tropical Storm Idalia. The NHC is forecasting landfall as a Category 1 hurricane (winds up to 90 mph) along the Florida Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Idalia is expected to approach South Carolina as a relatively fast moving tropical storm late Wednesday into Thursday. A slightly weaker or stronger storm cannot be ruled out since we are early in the storm’s evolution and there is very little aircraft data. Also, the storm is heading farther south than expected this morning which may throw off timing. So as always, we are encouraging everyone to check back often since changes in the timing, intensity, and track are likely.
Regardless of the final track and intensity, impacts will be felt across SC and well outside the cone. Residents are encouraged to start preps today, and to be careful due to the high heat.
The cone should only be used to identify the forecasted path of the storm, which now has a lot of uncertainty. Impacts inside and outside the cone include high winds, flooding rains, coastal storm surge, and isolated tornadoes.
Based on Idalia’s current track, most of the state can expect 3-7”of rain on average, and locally up to 10”+. Storm surge forecast maps have not been posted yet, but coastal areas can expect inundations up to several feet, depending on the track.
It’s important to remember that most tropical cyclone-related fatalities are due to the high waters caused by flooding and storm surge. As timing would have it, a supermoon Tuesday into Wednesday may increase the coastal flooding and storm surge threats.
Residents are highly encouraged to plan for the worst, hope for the best, and check the forecast at least twice a day. Please go to SCEMD to get ready, and sign up for CodeRED Alerts to keep you safe and informed at all times.