At 1 p.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm Ida was located 220 miles south – southwest of Pensacola, Florida. Maximum winds were near 70 mph. Ida is moving toward the north-northwest at 18 mph. The center of Ida is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast on Tuesday morning.
All Hurricane Watches and Warnings along the Gulf Coast have been discontinued but a Tropical Storm Warning remains for the western Panhandle to the Aucilla River.
Lake Wind and Wind Advisories are in effect for much of the Florida Peninsula today for expected sustained winds of 25-30 mph and gusts to 40 mph. This may continue into Tuesday, however, these strong winds are not directly associated with Ida’s wind field.
The main threat from Ida is high winds, storm surge, heavy rain and isolated tornadoes. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated maximum amounts up to 8 inches are possible.
Whether Ida maintains a storm or loses tropical characteristics, the Florida Gulf Coast region has the potential to see several inches of rain, strong winds, isolated tornadoes and dangerous surf and coastal flooding beginning Monday evening and continuing into Wednesday.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for all areas of northwest Florida.
There is a high risk of rip currents today along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic Coast.
CURRENT SITUATION / STATE ACTIONS
The State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee has activated to a Level 1, or full activation status. Governor Charlie Crist and his staff are being briefed on Ida’s progress.
The Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL) activated today at 9 a.m. The number is 800-342-3557. The Attorney General has activated the Price Gouging Hotline: 1-866-9-NO-SCAM
Governor Crist today issued an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in all Florida counties.
The State has begun daily conference calls with county emergency management officials and state partners in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sent a liaison to the State EOC for coordination through the duration of this event.
State Emergency Response Team Regional Coordinators are located throughout the state and will continue coordinating with local officials. State Management Team members have been identified and are prepared to deploy as needed.
RECOMMENDED PUBLIC ACTIONS
Florida Gulf Coast residents and visitors need to closely follow Tropical Storm Ida, complete their disaster preparations and heed any evacuation orders.
Please remember to plan for your pets and check on your neighbors and the elderly.
Mariners need to secure their vessels and remain in safe harbor as directed by Coast Guard officials.
Residents and visitors should heed the advice of local officials in regards to evacuations and protective actions if conditions warrant.
Remember, “Turnaround, Don’t Drown” if faced with a flooded roadway. It only takes a foot or two of moving water to sweep most cars off the road. Stay safe and observe all detours and closures.
“Floridians understand that a storm doesn’t have to be a hurricane to be destructive or deadly,” Governor Crist said. “I encourage residents and visitors across our state to closely monitor Tropical Storm Ida and make sure your family, business and property are prepared.”
“Florida Gulf Coast residents in the Warning areas are urged follow the progress of Ida and complete their preparations today,” said Ruben D. Almaguer, Interim Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Contact:
State EOC Media Office: 850-921-0217
