Florida is bracing as Hurricane Idalia, which intensified overnight from a tropical storm to a potentially deadly hurricane, advances across the Gulf of Mexico. With the impending threat of harsh winds and a life-endangering storm surge, the state is preparing for a major weather event.
The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm's eye was located approximately 85 miles north of Cuba's western edge and about 320 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida as of 7 a.m. ET on Tuesday. The hurricane, moving north at approximately 14 miles per hour, brandished wind speeds over 70 mph.
The National Weather Service in Tampa warned that Idalia is predicted to amplify hastily into a ferocious Category 3 storm as it approaches Florida. The hurricane is anticipated to hit the Gulf Coast by Wednesday, but early signs of the storm in the form of intense winds and heavy rainfall, could make its presence felt as soon as Tuesday night.
Weather experts also cautioned that Idalia may unleash several tornadoes before its official landfall happens in the state's Big Bend region. A man was seen riding a bicycle in Batabano's flooded streets, a province in Mayabeque, Cuba, on August 28, 2023, when tropical storm Idalia was inching closer to the country's western perimeter.
Idalia's looming storm surge might cause water levels to surge by 12 feet in areas of northern Florida. Flash floods caused by heavy downpours are also a cause for concern Tuesday through Wednesday across Florida's west coast, the panhandle, and in southern Georgia, ahead of the storm hitting eastern portions of the Carolinas Wednesday into Thursday.
In preparation for Idalia's assault, residents scrambled over the weekend to gather sandbags, while others opted to evacuate. This hurricane marks the first to target the state this season. The National Guard mobilized on Tuesday, with evacuation measures in progress across 21 counties, with mandatory orders issued to some residents in eight of these counties.
The majority of evacuation notifications target people residing in coastal or low-lying areas, as well as those living in mobile homes, recreational vehicles and boats, or those who would be in danger during a power outage. The Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, alerted to a "major impact" hitting the state. He also reminded residents that while properties can be rebuilt, gambling with Mother Nature by staying in harm's way could yield disastrous consequences.
Tropical Storm Idalia gained strength as it neared Cuba and the intensely warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Monday. Forecasters noted that Idalia might intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida later in the week.
In anticipation of the forthcoming hurricane, most school districts along the Gulf Coast announced closures for Tuesday and Wednesday. This led to several colleges and universities, such as the University of Florida in Gainesville, to independently decide to close their campuses. After sweeping through Florida, Idalia is expected to continue its course through Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
