Hurricane Idalia update AUG 30 | 0900

Idalia is moving toward the north-northeast near 18 mph. A north-northeastward motion is expected through the morning, with Idalia's center reaching  the Big Bend coast of Florida this morning. After landfall, Idalia is forecast to turn toward the northeast and east-northeast, moving near or along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina late today and Thursday.

Idalia could continue to strengthen before it reaches the Big Bend coast of Florida in a few hours. While Idalia should weaken after landfall, it is likely to still be a Hurricane while moving across southern Georgia, and near the coast of Georgia or southern South Carolina late today. Idalia should emerge off the southeastern United States coast early on Thursday and move eastward through late week.

Storm Surge Warning
* Englewood northward to Indian Pass including Tampa Bay
* St. Catherine's Sound to South Santee River

Tropical Storm Warning
* Sebastian Inlet Florida to Beaufort Inlet North Carolina

Hurricane Watch
* Edisto Beach to South Santee River

Storm Surge - Heights above ground. For the full list of peak storm surge values, see the graphic below.
* Mouth of the St Mary’s River to the South Santee River – 2-4 ft

* South Santee River to Beaufort Inlet, NC – 1-3 ft

Rainfall
Idalia is expected to produce a swath of 4 to 8 inches of rainfall with isolated maxima up to 12 inches from the Florida Big Bend through central Georgia and South Carolina, and through eastern North Carolina into Thursday. These rainfall amounts will lead to areas of flash, urban, and moderate river flooding, with considerable impacts.

Tornadoes
A few tornadoes are possible this morning across west-central and northern Florida into southeast Georgia, with the tornado risk shifting toward the coastal Carolinas this afternoon and tonight.