| Tropical Cyclone Idalia has strengthened into a hurricane as of early Tuesday morning. As the storm tracks across the eastern Gulf of Mexico it is expected to gradually strengthen, becoming a major hurricane tonight. On the current forecast track, Idalia would make landfall between Tampa and the Big Bend region of Florida Wednesday morning as a major hurricane. Thereafter, Idalia is forecast to track along or near the Georgia and South Carolina coast as a Tropical Storm late Wednesday morning through Thursday morning.
Tropical Storm Watch, Storm Surge Watch & Flood Watch Issued for our Area
- A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours.
- A Storm Surge Watch means life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, is possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours.
- A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Timing
The greatest impacts for southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina are expected to occur late Wednesday morning through early Thursday morning.
Hazards & Impacts
Details regarding the track, intensity, and timing of Idalia are still being refined. However, confidence in the following impacts is increasing:
- Heavy rainfall and flash flooding: 4-8 inches of rain possible across South East GA/SC.
- Strong, gusty winds: The probability of tropical storm force winds remains moderate to high, especially along the coast. Hurricane conditions remain possible across portions of the GA Atlantic waters.
- Storm surge/coastal flooding: based on the timing of the current forecast track, the Wednesday evening (~8:30 PM) high tide cycle could produce the highest water levels. Rip currents, high surf, and possibly significant beach erosion.
- Risk for tornadoes across the coastal counties of South East GA/SC Wednesday and Wednesday night.
Please keep a close eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly. For the latest forecast please visit https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Idalia.
If you have not done so already, please take this time to secure anything that may be impacted by tropical storm force winds. Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and other lightweight items that are not tied down.
Emergency Supply Kit
It is important to keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of your family for at least three days. Assemble a Family Emergency Kit with items you may need in an emergency or evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as suitcases, duffle bags or covered storage containers.
- Click here for South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s Checklist
- Click here to download the South Carolina Hurricane Guide
We will continue to keep you updated as we receive information via our communication resources:
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