MIAMI -- The National Hurricane Center has issued its first watches for Florida as a result of Tropical Storm Idalia.
A storm surge watch is posted for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Chokoloskee (south of Naples) to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. A hurricane watch is posted for coastal areas from Englewood (Sarasota/Charlotte) to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. A tropical storm watch is posted for Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties and the Dry Tortugas.
Forecasters say high tides, aided by a full moon, could rise to three to five feet on Tampa Bay, 5 to 8 feet north of Tampa Bay, and 7-11 feet north of Citrus County toward the Aucilla River.
Rainfall is also a concern, with 3-6 inches expected in the Tampa Bay area.
Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, says don't focus on the cone of uncertainty of landfall. "The winds, the surge, the rain are not going to be confined inside that cone." Listen to an interview with Rhome below: Also listen to an interview with Mikah Collins of Hillsborough County on the use of sandbags:
Photo: NHC