August 30, 2023 – Idalia makes Florida landfall
Idalia, a powerful hurricane, made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, marking the strongest hurricane to hit the Big Bend region in over 125 years. The storm has since weakened to a tropical storm as it continues to move across the Southeast.
As Idalia moves through the Southeast, storm surges are expected to impact much of the Southeast coast through the night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The storm is currently 15 miles northwest of Charleston, South Carolina, and is sustaining tropical storm-force winds of up to 60 mph.
In Charleston, South Carolina, flooding caused by Idalia has led to the closure of numerous roads. The Charleston Police Department issued a traffic alert, urging residents to avoid driving around barricades or through standing water. The National Weather Service reported major coastal inundation in downtown Charleston and Edisto Beach, with water breaching the Charleston Battery and flowing under homes and onto roadways.
In Florida’s Citrus County, a mandatory curfew has been issued from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time, prohibiting all travel within evacuation Zone A. The county’s sheriff’s office warned citizens to use extreme caution when venturing out and to avoid walking or driving through standing water due to the potential dangers and contamination.
Cleanup efforts have begun in Jacksonville, Florida, where power outages, downed power lines, and downed trees remain a concern. Crews have restored electricity to about 75,000 of the 85,000 affected customers. Duval County Schools will be closed on Thursday for cleanup, with classes resuming on Friday.
Idalia’s path has also affected Georgia, with flash flood warnings issued across parts of the state. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has canceled all flights for the day, and government offices in Savannah will remain closed on Thursday. In North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stock up on supplies and stay off flooded roads.
As of now, more than 460,000 customers are without power in Florida and Georgia. The water level in Charleston Harbor has exceeded forecasts and is now at the fifth-highest level ever recorded, causing concerns about rising storm surge.
Tragically, a man was killed in Lowndes County, Georgia, after being hit by a falling tree during the storm.
Idalia has caused significant damage and disruption along its path, but communities are vowing to bounce back and begin the recovery process.August 30, 2023 – Idalia makes Florida landfall
Idalia, a powerful hurricane, made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, marking the strongest hurricane to hit the Big Bend region in over 125 years. The storm has since weakened to a tropical storm as it continues to move across the Southeast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings of storm surges along the Southeast coast, with impacts expected to continue through the night. The NWS also noted the possibility of coastal flooding in North Carolina’s Storm Surge Watch areas.
In Charleston, South Carolina, flooding caused by Idalia has led to the closure of numerous roads. The Charleston Police Department issued a traffic alert, urging drivers not to drive around barricades or through standing water. The National Weather Service reported major coastal inundation in downtown Charleston and Edisto Beach, with water breaching the Charleston Battery and flowing under homes in Edisto.
Citrus County in Florida has implemented a mandatory curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time, prohibiting all travel within evacuation Zone A. The county’s sheriff’s office emphasized the need for extreme caution when venturing out and warned against walking or driving through standing water. Restoration efforts are underway, but road closures remain in place on the west side of the county.
Cleanup efforts have begun in Jacksonville, Florida, following Idalia’s passage. Power outages, downed power lines, and downed trees are still a concern in the city. Duval County Schools will be closed on Thursday for cleanup, with classes resuming on Friday.
As Idalia moves through South Carolina, heavy rain, gusty winds, and the threat of tornadoes are expected to persist in eastern sections of the Carolinas. Flash flood warnings have been issued in parts of Georgia, and all flights out of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport have been canceled. The city of Savannah has announced the closure of government offices on Thursday.
Charleston Harbor has recorded its fifth-highest water level ever, exceeding the forecasted level. The water level currently stands at 9.03 feet, slightly behind the levels recorded during Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. The highest recorded level was during Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Tragically, a man was killed in Lowndes County, Georgia, after being struck by a falling tree during Idalia’s passage. The victim was cutting a tree on a highway when the incident occurred.
Crystal River, a city in Florida’s Big Bend region, has been severely impacted by Idalia. The city manager described it as being “decimated” by the hurricane, with widespread water damage. However, there have been no reported casualties, and the city remains determined to bounce back.
As the storm continues its path, residents are urged to stay informed, exercise caution, and follow the guidance of local authorities.
What precautions are being taken in North Carolina to mitigate the risks of flooding from the impact of Idalia
Thin evacuation Zone A. The county’s sheriff’s office has warned residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid walking or driving through standing water to prevent potential dangers and contamination.
Cleanup efforts are underway in Jacksonville, Florida, where power outages, downed power lines, and fallen trees are still a concern. Crews have managed to restore electricity to around 75,000 of the 85,000 affected customers. Duval County Schools will be closed on Thursday for cleanup, with classes set to resume on Friday.
Idalia’s path has also impacted Georgia, with flash flood warnings issued in parts of the state. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has canceled all flights for the day, and government offices in Savannah will remain closed on Thursday. In North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stock up on supplies and avoid flooded roads.
Currently, there are over 460,000 customers without power in Florida and Georgia. The water level in Charleston Harbor has exceeded forecasts and reached the fifth-highest level ever recorded, raising concerns about rising storm surge.
Tragically, a man in Lowndes County, Georgia, lost his life after being struck by a falling tree during the storm.
Idalia has caused significant damage and disruptions along its path, but affected communities are determined to recover and begin the rebuilding process.
Stay safe everyone! Don’t underestimate the power of a storm surge.
Hermes: Thoughts and prayers with those affected by the storm. Hoping for a speedy recovery.
Poseidon: Mother Nature reminds us of her strength once again. Sending love to the impacted areas.
Artemis: Nature can be both beautiful and dangerous. Let’s support each other during these challenging times.
Zeus: Thankful for the hard work of emergency responders and those keeping the community safe.
Please stay updated on the storm’s progress and follow all safety guidelines. Wishing everyone affected by the storm strength and resilience during this difficult time.