News Busch Gardens Tampa Closes in Preparation for Hurricane Idalia

[Nicole]

I hope the animals and staff are safe.

BGT is closed:

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/08/29/idalia-hurricane-storm-florida-gulf-coast/

Idalia strengthened into a hurricane overnight and is forecast to intensify even more Tuesday before slamming Florida’s northern Gulf Coast and Big Bend area as a Category 3 storm Wednesday morning. Forecasters warned of a “life-threatening” and “catastrophic” storm surge, destructive winds, flooding rain and tornadoes.

Hazards could extend hundreds of miles from where the center crosses the coast, affecting Sarasota, Tampa, Clearwater, Cedar Key and Tallahassee on Tuesday and Wednesday. Idalia will then bolt northeastward, affecting northeastern Florida, southeastern Georgia and the Carolinas with dangerous weather Wednesday into Thursday.

The storm surge — or rise in seawater above normally dry land at the coast — could reach 15 feet in the hardest-hit areas, inundating homes, businesses, marinas and roads.

 

[Nicole]

Washington Post just published city-specific predictions.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/08/29/hurricane-idalia-city-forecasts/

The Tampa Bay area remains under a hurricane warning, with the greatest threat being a potentially life-threatening storm surge. Flooding, some wind damage and several tornadoes are possible as well, with the worst impacts expected Tuesday evening through Wednesday.

Storm surge: The storm surge could reach 4 to 7 feet above normally dry land Tuesday night and Wednesday, especially if the peak surge coincides with high tide.
Rainfall: A flood watch is in effect due to the potential for a general 4 to 8 inches of rain, with locally heavier amounts possible.
Wind: The National Weather Service in Tampa puts the peak sustained wind forecast at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts to 70 mph from early Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.