Tropical Storm Idalia approaches Florida's west coast

Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to hit Florida’s west coast later today, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

MAP: Projected wind speeds of Tropical Storm Idalia. National Hurricane Center

The US Coast Guard has set “port condition Yankee” in several ports located on the west coast of Florida, including Port of Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bradenton. These ports are in the direct path of Idalia. Yankee comes into effect when gale-force wind gusts are forecast to hit the region within 24 hours.

The Port of Tampa has closed all inbound vessel traffic since yesterday. While vessels that need to depart the port are required to make the arrangements immediately. The US Coast Guard could escalate the port condition to “Zulu”, which mandates port authorities to cease all operations.

Heavy rains and flash floods are expected across some areas on the west coast of Florida, the NHC said in its latest notification.

Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard has set "port condition X-Ray" in the ports of Canaveral, Fernandina and Jacksonville, located on the east coast of Florida. However, Jacksonville Port Authority anticipates that the US Coast Guard will change the port condition to Yankee later today.

Bunker deliveries are likely to be suspended in these ports while the weather is rough.

By Nithin Chandran

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