Monday will be the day to prepare in Tampa Bay as a category 3 hurricane is now forecasted to make landfall in Florida sometime tomorrow.

The time frame still looks to be late Tuesday night into Wednesday when Idalia’s force will be felt here in the Tampa area. The exact point of landfall isn’t as important. We know the entire Tampa Bay area will experience high winds and heavy rain.

Here are the latest observations on what will become Hurricane Idalia sometime today from Denis Phillips from ABC Action News as well as other Tampa weather experts.

• Landfall...

  While there certainly could be more turns coming… here’s the latest as of lunchtime Monday.

  (MON UPDATE) The latest set of models has just been released
  
  The landfall location has shifted a few miles farther W with this latest set
  
  Bottom Line: NHC & model consensus is calling for a landfall near Cedar Key as a Cat 3 @ 7am Wednesday
  
  Continue watching for changes/trends pic.twitter.com/AxPtTIUkIN

  — Bryan Bennett (@weatherbryan) August 28, 2023

• The latest from the National Hurricane Center...

  We are now under Storm Surge and Hurricane Warnings.

  Tropical Storm #Idalia Advisory 8: Storm Surge and Hurricane Warnings Issued For Portions of The West Coast of Florida. Life-Threatening Storm Surge and Dangerous Winds Becoming Increasingly Likely For Portions of Florida. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ

  — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 28, 2023

• Monday 11am Track Update...

  Small shifts can make a big difference.

  Here is the concern. This is not a forecast, just something we will be watching VERY CLOSELY.
  The key is to keep the eye wall offshore. That is where the worst weather is located. Right now, it looks as though it will stay far enough west to keep the very worst of the weather off… pic.twitter.com/UOxty8RyVV

  — Paul Dellegatto⚡️FOX (@PaulFox13) August 28, 2023

• High tide timing...

  Those who live along the coast really need to pay attention to this.

  Something to remember…tides will already be running extra high due to the Full Moon at the exact time that #Idalia is making landfall. Take the potential storm surge serious. #FLwx pic.twitter.com/KvlH91lFb0

  — Brian McClure (@mcclureWX) August 28, 2023

  NEW: #Hurricane Warning and Storm Surge Warning issued for the Tampa Bay area northward into the bend of FL. #FLwx

  — Brian McClure (@mcclureWX) August 28, 2023

• Water is the issue...

  Paul from Fox 13 says don’t get caught up in the category debate… prepare for the water.

  Category of the storm and the wind speed always gets the biggest headlines, but it is the water that we need to be most concerned about. Water is the killer. Wind is no picnic, and can cause damage, but you do not want to be in your home while its being inundated by the Gulf or… pic.twitter.com/KFNvlib2uT

  — Paul Dellegatto⚡️FOX (@PaulFox13) August 28, 2023

• This morning's update from the National Weather Service

  Storm surge and high winds are expected to become a problem late tomorrow.

  Idalia is now forecast to become a major hurricane before it reaches the Gulf coast of Florida. The risk continues to increase for life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle beginning as… pic.twitter.com/OTmqIAtGht

  — National Weather Service (@NWS) August 28, 2023

• Impact maps...

  Our entire Q105 listening area is expected to feel the impact of Idalia.

  ⚠️PREPARE NOW! #TropicalStormIdalia is forecast to become a CAT 3 Hurricane Tue! KNOW YOUR ZONE AND FOLLOW EVACUATION ORDERS!
  Potential Impacts:
  🌬️ TS/H winds depending on location
  ☔️ 6"+ of rain near the coast
  🌊 2-11' storm surge may vary per area
  🌪️ Several tornadoes possible pic.twitter.com/j7z9T9P9gs

  — NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) August 28, 2023

• Denis' late night night update...

  Last night Denis answered viewer questions…

  Denis Phillips LIVE https://t.co/eJQnmmk1MX

  — Denis Phillips (@DenisPhillipsWx) August 28, 2023

• Hurricane status soon...

  Right now Idalia is still just a tropical storm, but that will likely change today.

  The 8AM advisory finds Idalia with 65 mph winds and moving North at 8mph. Idalia will likely become a hurricane later this morning, or early this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/ZKUoIiTWAq

  — Dave Osterberg Fox13 (@DaveOFox13) August 28, 2023

• Clearwater residents....

  Know before you go…

  A barrier island re-entry pass is required in the event of any evacuations related to a tropical storm or hurricane. Those can be obtained online at https://t.co/LiPwKivwS2 or at the Clearwater Police Department, 645 Pierce St. pic.twitter.com/ZVa2GAqAeT

  — Clearwater Police Department (@myclearwaterPD) August 28, 2023

• A helpful checklist...

  Today is our day to prepare…

  Please make sure your emergency supply kit is stocked today.
  
  Reminder to take advantage of the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday until Sept 8, where Floridians can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies tax-free.
  
  More here: https://t.co/LCbHfVEtEE pic.twitter.com/e5r9DyhOs8

  — St. Petersburg, FL (@StPeteFL) August 28, 2023

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