Tropical Depression IDA threatens Florida

We could have a wet week next week, thanks to IDA.

"It has been pretty quiet but Hurricane Ida, now Tropical Depression Ida, definitely serves as a reminder that 2009 hurricane season is not over yet," said Deputy State Meteorologist Amy Godsey.

State Emergency Operations officials showed us IDA's expected path, which could hit Florida's Gulf coast around the Veterans Day holiday. They touched base with local city and county responders throughout the state, reminding them to pay close attention to the storm over the next week.

Get Prepared

"Anytime we have any kind of storm out there--especially when it's so close to the Gulf of Mexico--that you go over, review your preparedness plans, make sure you have everything in your disaster supply kit, and have that always ready, just have a plan ready," said Godsey.

Meteorologists remind us that anything could happen, as Claudette reminded us all when the storm strengthened practically overnight when it entered warm Gulf waters.

Beach-goers Beware

State emergency responders warn Floridians and travelers alike that the threat of rip currents will inevitably increase.

"If you're heading to the beach this weekend or maybe going into the holiday next week, watch out for those rip currents. It will be quite breezy ahead of the storm and that will increase the rip current risk both on the east coast and the west coast," warned Godsey.

Make sure to stick to areas that have lifeguards. Pay attention to flags. Swim with a buddy.