Sunday Update: Category 1 Hurricane Preparations Begin Along Florida’s West Coast

As expected, today is really going to be the day we find out the path of what is likely to become Hurricane Idalia. Not much has changed since yesterday's update. The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida Tuesday into Wednesday. Initially forecasters seemed to think this would only be a tropical storm. But now Idalia looks like it will become at least a category 1 hurricane before it gets to Florida.

As for today, it's just all about the heat again. Temperatures in the Tampa area are expected to be in the mid 90s again with our usual afternoon pop up thundershowers. We are still a couple days away from any impact of what will likely become Hurricane Idalia.

One bit of good news today for the Tampa area is that the storm's track is pushing a little west. But we all know how those tracks can shift again. Here are the latest observations today from Tampa Bay meteorologists and the National Weather Service.

As expected, the storm now has a name.

Even though the models point the path north of Tampa, we will feel this storm.

A county by county look at when the winds and rain will really pick up in Florida.

Storm surge could be a problem with this storm.

Denis is famous for his big rule when it comes to hurricanes.  Don't panic.  Just prepare.

We could definitely use the rain.  But with that will come destructive wind.

Prepare this weekend while we have time.  And stay informed.

Denis is fantastic with his social media updates in between on air broadcasts.

Pasco and Pinellas counties started distributing sandbags yesterday.  Tampa will have them starting today.

The usual Florida August weather.

Lines may start getting long and prices could jump as the storm gets near. Today is a great day to fill up your gas tank.

Good to know!