Photo: WPEC
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cuba as a category 3 hurricane with 125 mph winds
Ian will emerge in the Gulf of Mexico later Tuesday and maintain major hurricane strength as it approaches the west coast of Florida.
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Indian River, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach Counties, and Lake Okeechobee.
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Okeechobee County.
- A Tornado Watch has been issued for Palm Beach County until 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Impacts on south Florida will depend on the eventual track of Ian as it approaches Florida's Gulf Coast and interacts with a cold front in the southeast. Right now, the National Hurricane Center still has possible landfall anywhere from the Fort Myers area to the Florida Bend region. Those in Florida, especially on the west coast, should prepare for a major hurricane.
While the worst impacts from Ian will remain along the west coast of Florida, rain, flooding, wind, and a low severe threat are all expected for the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast as Hurricane Ian approaches Florida.
Now the details... Ian is forecast to become a major hurricane as it enters the Gulf of Mexico but is expected to slow down and expand in size prior to landfall as it interacts with an upper-level trough in the southeast. Impacts will adjust based on the eventual track of Ian as there is still a lot of uncertainty in the track. Outer bands of the storm will start moving in today.
Photo: WPEC
RAINFALL
Rain is going to be our primary concern from the Palm Beaches to the Treasure Coast. Generally between 3 to 5 inches of rain area wide with higher amounts in isolated stronger storms. The highest rain totals will be closer to the west coast.
On Tuesday, there is a likely threat of flooding area-wide. Some spots have already received between 6 to 8 inches of rain over the past few days, so rain over saturated grounds will heighten the flash flooding risk. This threat will persist into Wednesday.
WIND
We have a 50 to 70% chance of seeing tropical storm force winds in our area, with a higher chance around and west of Lake Okeechobee. A tropical storm force wind is a 1-minute average wind at or over 39 mph.
Windy conditions will move in starting Wednesday with sustained winds between 20-30 mph along the Palm Beach County coast and 30 to 40 mph winds along the Treasure Coast inland to Okeechobee, with gusts over 45 mph possible.
SEVERE WEATHER
We are currently under a slight risk for severe storms on Tuesday and Wednesday, which includes a quick spin-up tornado threat in the outer bands of the storm.
These impacts are expected to change depending on Ian’s track. A closer storm will increase impacts for some, mainly across Okeechobee, Indian River, and western St. Lucie Counties. So stay updated with the forecast and monitor for changes.
COASTAL IMPACTS
No storm surge is expected along the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast. Onshore winds will increase surf and seas along our area beaches and inlets.
These impacts are expected to change depending on Ian’s track. A closer storm will increase impacts for some, mainly across Okeechobee, Indian River, and western St. Lucie Counties. So stay updated with the forecast and monitor for changes.
Source: WPEC