Idalia departed South Carolina and moved toward the Atlantic Ocean
Article first published: Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, 5 a.m. ET
Article last updated: Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, 8 a.m. ET
The National Hurricane Center's 8 am Thursday advisory reported that Idalia left South Carolina and headed to the Atlantic Ocean
Tropical Storm Idalia is 65 miles southeast of Wilmington North Carolina and 135 miles southwest of Cape Hatteras North Carolina, with maximum sustained wind of 60 mph. It’s moving 20 mph to the east-northeast.
"... the center of Idalia will move just offshore of the coast of North Carolina today." according to analysts. "Little change in strength is expected today, but some gradual weakening could occur Friday and Saturday."
YESTERDAY (Wednesday):
Yesterday, there were numerous changes: the system was named Category 3 Hurricane Idalia after it gained enough strength. It began as a Category 4 hurricane, a hurricane, a Category 3 hurricane and a Category 1 hurricane but ultimately became a tropical storm with sustained winds of 70 miles per hour. Idalia first crossed the Gulf of Mexico traveled through Georgia and advanced to South Carolina.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- South Santee River northward to the North Carolina/Virginia border
- Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for:
- Beaufort Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet North Carolina
- Neuse and Pamlico Rivers North Carolina
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.
A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life- threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline in the indicated locations. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov.
Interests in Bermuda should monitor the progress of Idalia.
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:
STORM SURGE: The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...
Beaufort Inlet, NC to Ocracoke Inlet, NC...2-4 ft Neuse and Bay Rivers...2-4 ft Pamlico and Pungo Rivers...2-4 ft Ocracoke Inlet, NC to Duck, NC...1-3 ft Cape Fear, NC to Beaufort Inlet, NC...1-3 ft
The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast in areas of onshore winds, where the surge will be accompanied by large waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are occurring within the tropical storm warning area along the coast of northeastern South Carolina, and will continue to spread across coastal sections of North Carolina today.
RAINFALL: Idalia is expected to produce additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with isolated maxima up to 6 inches across coastal North Carolina through this afternoon. This rainfall will lead to areas of flash, urban, and moderate river flooding, with considerable impacts.
SURF: Swells generated by Idalia along the eastern Gulf coast will continue to subside today. Swells will affect the southeastern U.S. coast during the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
TORNADOES: A couple tornadoes will be possible through this morning across coastal North Carolina.
Source: National Hurricane Center
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