Category 3 Hurricane Idalia Set to Hit Florida, Bringing Hazardous Rain, Winds, and Storm Surge

Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and potentially bring catastrophic winds, heavy rain, and flooding to Florida’s Gulf Coast later this week. The storm is predicted to become a powerful Category 3 hurricane by late Tuesday as it makes landfall along Florida’s Big Bend. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations have been issued for several counties, and over 5,000 National Guard members have been activated to help respond to the storm.

Idalia is forecasted to rapidly intensify from a Category 1 hurricane to a Category 3 hurricane within 24 hours as it tracks over warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm’s track is crucial, as a small shift could significantly affect Tampa with stronger winds and a larger storm surge. The impacts of Idalia will extend well beyond its projected path, with storm surge, wind, and rain affecting much of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Florida Keys and the state’s southwestern coast will experience increasing wind speeds as early as Tuesday morning, while gusty winds are likely to be felt across a large portion of Florida by Tuesday night. The worst of the storm’s impacts will be felt from Tampa northward through the Big Bend region and into portions of the Panhandle. Conditions in these areas will rapidly deteriorate as landfall approaches, with a life-threatening storm surge of up to 12 feet predicted in Florida’s Big Bend.

Storm surge, which occurs when a hurricane pushes ocean waters onshore, is one of the deadliest aspects of a hurricane. The Florida Division of Emergency Management agency has warned that storm surge can happen quickly and pose a significant danger to individuals, families, and homes. Evacuation orders have been issued for low-lying coastal areas and vulnerable structures in multiple Florida counties, including Pasco, Manatee, Hernando, Taylor, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Citrus counties.

In preparation for the storm, Tampa International Airport will cease all commercial operations by Tuesday morning, with the aim to reopen on Thursday. The University of Florida, Florida State University, and Florida A&M University have announced closures and canceled classes, and schools across the region have also suspended classes. Georgia is also preparing for Idalia’s arrival, with Governor Brian Kemp activating the State Operations Center.

Governor Ron DeSantis expanded an emergency declaration to 46 out of 67 Florida counties and warned residents to expect power outages. Power companies will begin staging personnel on Monday to respond to any outages. The storm’s potential impact has prompted the activation of over 5,000 National Guard members to assist in the response efforts.

As Idalia continues to strengthen, authorities are urging residents in the storm’s path to take necessary precautions and heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety.

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-29 00:36:00