Although the tropical depression that was Invest 93L is not fully formed, the depression isexpected to become a tropical storm and eventually a hurricane that will impact the Sarasota-Manatee areaas it moves north towards the Gulf of Mexico early next week.
The tropical depression is expected to turn into Tropical Storm Idalia on Sunday and begin moving into the Gulf of Mexico on Monday and rapidlymove northeast to Florida on Wednesday, meteorologists said on Saturday.
The National Hurricane Center's first warning of the depression on Saturday placed the storm's path toward the Panhnadle, but the right side of the forecast cone included the area just south of Tampa Bay.
Governor Ron DeSantis included Sarasota and Manatee counties in an emergency declaration on Saturday.
“I encourage Florida residents to have a plan in place and make sure your hurricane supply kit is stocked,” he said.
The forecast for the weather system that was about 500 miles southwest of Tampa on Saturday afternoon called for a tropical storm or hurricane to hit Florida's Gulf Coast in early to mid next week, with the potential for heavy rain, high winds and isolated tornadoes. activity, according to the governor's office.
Precipitation estimates are subject to change, but National Weather Service meteorologist Austen Flannery said the region can expect 4 to 6 inches of rain due to the tropical disturbance. The system is expected to move quickly, so it's likely the rain won't have time to build up. Expect six inches or more of rain along the coast and smaller amounts inland.
"At this point, it hasn't materialized into anything," Flannery said. “We are facing a tropical depression or a tropical storm, but there is still uncertainty.”
Strong tropical storm winds were expected to impact Florida on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to a weather service briefing. Hurricane-force winds are possible but are currently low, forecasters said early Saturday.
The potential for coastal storms, particularly on the barrier islands, would potentially reach 3 to 5 feet above ground level on Tuesday or Wednesday. True tides - a higher-than-normal tide that lasts for about three hours - are expected this week, meaning high tides will be between half and a foot above normal, meteorologists said.
Governor Ron DeSantis declares a state of emergency in preparation for the storm
Governor Ron DeSantis declared an emergency for 33 of Florida's 67 counties in preparation for Invest 93L, including Sarasota and Manatee. He and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are working to prepare infrastructure and communities, including those still recovering from Hurricane Ian.
"I signed an Executive Order issuing a state of emergency out of an abundance of caution to ensure that Florida's Division of Emergency Management can begin preparing resources and that Florida residents have enough time to prepare their families for a storm next week," he said. DeSantis. “I encourage Florida residents to have a plan in place and ensure your hurricane supply kit is stocked.”
On a budget?Here are 5 inexpensive ways to prepare your home for hurricane season in Florida.
Previous Coverage of Invest 93L:A tropical storm could be heading towards Florida. Sarasota, Manatee officials say plan
Could the tropical system help in drought conditions?
Any precipitation from the tropical system could help alleviate drought conditions along the coast in Sarasota and Manatee counties. According to measurements from the National Weather Service station at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, through Aug. 25, there has been 4.86 inches of rain this month, 2.3 inches less than normal. Since January 1, there have been 16 inches of rain, 18.2 inches below the average of 34.2 inches. That's a record total for the area from January through August.
What about Hurricane Franklin?
Hurricane Franklin is expected to continue moving in a north-northwesterly direction over the western Atlantic early next week. Maximum sustained winds increased to close to 75 mph with stronger gusts. Hurricane Franklin is forecast to continue to strengthen and could become a major hurricane early next week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
It is not expected to reach the US, but the hurricane's prolonged winds could impact coastal regions.
When is Atlantic hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
What is Sarasota County doing to prepare?
Rich Collins, Director of Emergency Services, said the county is monitoring the weather and the Emergency Management Team is coordinating with the National Weather Service as the storm's future path becomes clearer.
"At this time, as always, we encourage our community members to be prepared," Collins said in a written statement.
What is Manatee County doing to prepare?
Steve Litschauer, deputy chief of emergency management, said his team is conducting internal meetings and daily calls with the National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. They contacted their leaders in emergency support functions, Red Cross, Turning Point and law enforcement agencies to inform them of the storm and keep them informed of preparations. Litschauer recommends that residents use the weekend to fill up their cars, stock up on groceries and think of places to go if they plan to evacuate.
“There's no reason to panic,” Litschauer said. "We don't know if we'll really need it, but it's always better to have a plan."
Longtime head of emergency management Ed McCrane retired on August 25. Who's in charge now?
Ed McCrane retired August 25 after 18 years as Sarasota County's Chief of Emergency Management.
Scott Montgomery, who retired from Sarasota County in June 2021 as section chief of emergency management and chief lifeguard, is taking over as acting chief of emergency management while Sarasota County looks for a permanent chief.
Where can I get Sarasota and Manatee County updates on weather disruptions?
Use the Sarasota County website athttps://www.scgov.net/bepreparedfor a disaster planning guide, transportation plan, and resources for preparing homes for storms.
Sign up for emergency alerts atMyManatee.org/AlertManatee. To useMyManatee.org/weatherto determine the level of evacuation and the location of open shelters and sandbags.
Where can I find a list of hurricane supplies?
Osecond of two 14-day sales tax exemptionsto helpresidents buy hurricane supplies beganon Saturday, August 26th and runs through September 8th.
House Bill 7063exempts the following items from sales tax during the two 14-day periods:
- Self-Powered Lights $40 or less.
- Self-powered portable radio, two-way radio, or weatherband radio for $50 or less.
- A tarp or other flexible waterproof cover that retails for $100 or less.
- An item typically sold as, or typically advertised as, a ground anchor system or tie-down kit with a retail price of $100 or less.
- A tank of gas or diesel with a retail price of $50 or less.
- A battery pack of AA cells, AAA cells, C cells, D cells, 6 volts or 9 volts, excluding car and boat batteries, retailing for $50 or less.
- A non-electric food storage refrigerator retails for $60 or less.
- A portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage with a retail price of $3,000 or less.
- Reusable ice retails for $20 or less.
- A portable power bank retails for $60 or less.
- A smoke detector or smoke alarm retailing for $70 or less.
- A fire extinguisher with a retail price of $70 or less.
- A carbon monoxide detector that sells for $70 or less.
Tax exemptions also include a number of items related to the safe evacuation of domestic animals. Exempt items include:
- Bags of dry dog or cat food weighing 50 pounds or less priced at $100 or less per bag.
- Cans or bags of wet dog or cat food retailing for $10 or less per can or bag or equivalent, if sold in a box or box.
- Over-the-counter pet medications priced at $100 or less per item.
- Portable kennels or pet carriers retail for $100 or less per item.
- Manual Can Openers retail price of $15 or less per item.
- Leashes, collars, and muzzles retail for $20 or less per item.
- Collapsible or to-go food or water bowls selling for $15 or less per item.
- Cat litter weighing 25 pounds or less retails for $25 or less per item.
- Cat Litter Trays retail price of $15 or less per item.
- Pet Waste Disposal Bags retail price of $15 or less per package.
- Pet pillows retail for $20 or less per box or pack.
- Hamster or Rabbit Substrate retails for $15 or less per packet.
- Pet beds retail for $40 or less per item.
Contribuindo: Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press e Cheryl McCloud, USA Today.