CURRENT SITUATION
The National Hurricane Center has recently upgraded Tropical Depression Thirteen to Tropical Storm Laura.
Tropical Storm Laura, located about 210 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, is moving toward the west at 18 mph and this motion is expected to continue for the next few days. Maximum sustained winds are 45 mph with higher gusts. This system is forecast to gradually strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches Florida. Possible impacts are forecasted for our area (Hernando County) between Sunday night Aug. 23 and Tuesday Aug. 25, 2020. Additional fluctuations in the forecast track and intensity are very likely.
Tropical Depression Fourteen continues to move northwest toward the Yucatan Peninsula. The system is expected to move into the south-central Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm on Sunday. It is too soon to know exactly how strong it will get or the location and magnitude of impacts it may produce along the central or northwestern Gulf Coast.
POSSIBLE IMPACTS – TROPICAL STORM LAURA
Wind: Tropical Storm force winds (39 mph or greater) are possible in our area on Monday and Tuesday. Expect to see increased wind speed probabilities in future forecasts.
Surge: If a Category 1 hurricane moves offshore or near the western Florida coast, the Nature Coast may see 4 to 7 feet of surge above ground level. The highest values will be at high tide.
Rain: 3 to 5 inches of rain are possible along the coast, and 2 to 3 inches of rain for inland areas. Rainfall totals can change greatly based on the forecast track. Be mindful of future forecasts.
POSSIBLE IMPACTS – TROPICAL DEPRESSION FOURTEEN
This system bears monitoring over the next few days for possible fluctuations in track and intensity, but significant impacts to our area are not expected at this time.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Know your zone, Know your home. Have a plan to shelter in place if appropriate. https://floridadisaster.org/planprepare/know-your-zone-know-your-home/
Register for automated severe weather notifications at http://www.AlertHernando.org
Take this opportunity to refresh your emergency supply kit. For more information, visit http://www.HernandoCounty.us/EM
Residents are encouraged to monitor local media outlets or the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/tbw/ for current weather information.
Test your weather radio today and change the battery if needed.
