In a Sunday morning forecast, The National Hurricane Center reported, “There’s a notable risk of rapid intensification while the system moves across the record warm eastern and northeastern Gulf of Mexico.”
This statement was made in reference to Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to impact parts of Florida as early as August 29, 2023. Idalia is expected to grow and strengthen to at least a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall somewhere in Florida. The storm is expected to make landfall anywhere between Central Florida and the Panhandle.
Tropical Storm Idalia has the potential to intensify rapidly.
Following updates from the National Weather Center and your local weather station is one of the best ways to stay informed on Idalia’s movements and strength.
Idalia is headed straight into warm waters and is currently moving at 2 mph – at the time this article was written (Sunday, August 27, 2023, at 2 pm EST.
What can you expect from Idalia?
The National Hurricane Center predicts that parts of Florida can see up to 10 inches of rain.
Idalia is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 Hurricane and make landfall somewhere along Florida’s West Coast or Panhandle. The storm’s impacts will be felt as early as Tuesday.
If you live in a potential landfall zone, the time to prepare is right now. The storm’s path and potential strength are still uncertain. We do know that models are pretty much in agreement that Idalia will become a hurricane, and it will impact Florida. Outer bands from a hurricane tend to travel far away from the storm’s center. Those outer bands can bring powerful storms and even spawn tornadoes.
What type of damage can a Category 1 Hurricane cause?
A Category 1 Hurricane is still a very powerful storm and can damage property and cause harm to people.
There’s no accurate way to fully predict the impact a hurricane will have. Every hurricane is different. Hurricanes can also spawn tornadoes, which can cause additional damage to areas affected.
Property damage typically seen with a Category 1 Hurricane includes:
- Roof damage – shingles and tiles are commonly damaged
- Damage from flying debris – including broken windows or doors
- Fence damage
- Pool enclosure damage
- Outdoor areas can also be damaged
- Siding damage
- Large branches may snap and cause damage
- Trees with shallow roots may fall
A Category 1 Hurricane has sustained winds between 74-95 mph, and wind gusts can be greater. Proper preparation is essential to keep yourself, your family, and your property safe.
What can you do now?
Aside from following recommended hurricane preparedness tips, you can take a picture or video of your roof. In the event Idalia damages your roof, you’ll want a strong claim with your insurance company. One of the best ways to strengthen your claim is to show overwhelming evidence that Idalia indeed caused damage to your roof. Having a picture of your roof prior to Idalia’s arrival and then comparing it with pictures after the storm leaves can create a powerful claim.
Call 954-669-4935 now for a free claim review, or go to WeGetYouPaid.com.