The Chief Meteorologist, Bobby Deskins, provides a detailed weather update for a hurricane approaching the area. The storm is currently experiencing 110-mile-per-hour winds that are moving north at 18 mph. The pressure is down to 958 millibars, slightly lower than the wind speed. The storm is expected to intensify to a category 4 hurricane before making landfall early tomorrow morning in the area.
The wind field is expected to expand, pushing water from the coast inland. The areas of Crystal River, Chiefland, Cedar Key, and the Big Bend, where landfall is expected to occur, are predicted to be heavily impacted by the surge of water.
The meteorologist also provides an update on the rain bands moving through the area, with heavy rainfall expected in the far eastern parts of Sarasota County, extending down to Captiva and Sanibel. Wind gusts are expected to pick up, with peak gusts of 35 in Brooksville, 20 in Plant City, and 2530 in Half Moon Bay. The highest gusts will be along the coast, with almost a 50 in Saint Petersburg and 40 in Tampa.
The hurricane force winds are expected to start turning to the north northeast and push onshore. The storm is compared to previous storms like Charlie and Ian, with the current storm being similar in size to Charlie but moving faster. The storm is expected to be a significant rainmaker, but it will not be as impactful in terms of rainfall as previous storms.
The tides are predicted to be running about 2 feet above normal in areas like Oldsmar and downtown Tampa. The highest tide, approximately 4 feet above normal, is expected around 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning.
1. The Chief Meteorologist, Bobby Deskins, is discussing weather conditions.
2. Wind speeds are currently at 110 miles per hour, moving to the north at 18 mph.
3. The pressure is down to 958 millibars, which is slightly lower than the wind speed.
4. The storm is expected to intensify to a Category 4 hurricane before it makes landfall early tomorrow morning.
5. The surge amount in the affected area is expected to increase due to the storm's intensity.
6. The wind field is expected to grow, and the water it pushes will likely cause flooding in certain areas.
7. The storm is expected to cause heavy rainfall, particularly in the far eastern parts of Sarasota County.
8. The wind gusts are picking up due to the storm's approach, with gusts of 48 in Sarasota, 47 in Venice, 40 in Saint Pete, and 37 in Clearwater.
9. The highest wind gusts are expected to be in Brooksville at 35 mph, and in Plant City at 20 mph.
10. The storm's size is compared to other storms like Charlie and Harvey, with this storm being similar in size to Charlie but moving faster.
11. The storm's impact on the tides is significant, with tides running almost 2 feet above normal in some areas.
12. The peak winds are expected to occur between now and about 7:00 AM, with wind speeds increasing as the storm approaches.
13. The storm's wind direction is crucial, as it will affect when the water starts to rise.
14. The storm's approach is expected to cause flooding in areas such as Oldsmar and downtown Tampa, which are running almost 2 feet above normal tides.