Hurricane Idalia Strengthens as it Approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast
CEDAR KEY, Florida – Hurricane Idalia is rapidly gaining strength as it moves towards Florida’s Gulf Coast, prompting evacuations in low-lying coastal areas. The powerful storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, bringing with it dangerous storm surges and the potential for life-threatening floods.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Idalia had maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (150 kph), but it is expected to intensify further before hitting the coast. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami predicts that the storm will reach Category 3 strength, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph (179 kph), making it a major hurricane.
The most significant threat from Idalia is the powerful surge of wind-driven seawater that is expected to impact barrier islands and other vulnerable areas along the coast. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents in low-lying communities to heed evacuation orders and seek higher ground.
“We’re on the canal and just 9 feet above sea level,” said Mary Wolcott Martino, a resident of St. Petersburg who is preparing to evacuate. She and her husband are more concerned about flooding than high winds this time and are taking precautions to protect their irreplaceable belongings.
The NHC predicts that Idalia’s center will likely hit Florida’s coastline in the Big Bend region, which is less densely populated than the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. However, most of Florida’s 21 million residents, as well as many in Georgia and South Carolina, are under hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge warnings and advisories.
Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina declared a state of emergency on Tuesday to prepare for the approaching storm. Governor DeSantis had already issued a similar proclamation for Florida earlier in the week.
Idalia developed into a hurricane on Tuesday after passing west of Cuba, where it caused damage to homes and flooded villages. The storm is expected to become the fourth major hurricane to strike Florida in the past seven years, following Irma in 2017, Michael in 2018, and Ian in 2020.
In addition to the powerful winds and storm surge, Idalia is also expected to bring heavy rainfall to Florida’s Gulf Coast, southeastern Georgia, and eastern portions of North and South Carolina. The hurricane center warns of torrential rains of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm), with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 12 inches (30 cm).
As preparations continue, more than 40 school districts in the region have canceled classes, and Tampa International Airport plans to suspend commercial operations starting on Tuesday. The state has mobilized 5,500 National Guard troops and placed between 30,000 and 40,000 electricity workers on standby. Additionally, 1.1 million gallons of gasoline have been set aside to address any fuel supply interruptions.
While Floridians brace for Idalia’s arrival, Cubans are dealing with the aftermath of the storm, which lingered near the western end of the island nation on Monday. The storm toppled trees and flooded coastal villages, causing significant damage. Authorities evacuated tens of thousands of people from affected areas, and power outages were reported in Pinar del Rio, a province known for its tobacco production.
As Hurricane Idalia approaches, residents and officials are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of those in its path. The storm serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the potential dangers posed by severe weather events.
Reporting by Marco Bello in Cedar Key, Florida, Rich McKay in Atlanta, Nelson Acosta in Havana, Dave Sherwood in Guanimar, Cuba, Brad Brooks in Longmont, Colorado, and Brendan O’Brien in Chicago; Writing by Joseph Ax; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Marguerita Choy
What measures are being taken by state authorities in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to mitigate potential damage to homes and infrastructure from Hurricane Idalia
S and infrastructure. It is now moving northwest through the Gulf of Mexico, gathering strength and posing a significant threat to the Gulf Coast.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring Idalia’s track and intensity, and residents along the Gulf Coast are being urged to take precautions and prepare for the storm. The NHC warns of dangerous storm surges and the potential for life-threatening floods, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. Evacuation orders have been issued in these vulnerable areas to ensure the safety of residents.
Idalia’s maximum sustained winds are currently at 90 mph, but experts project that it will intensify further before making landfall on Wednesday. It is expected to reach Category 3 strength, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph, making it a major hurricane.
One of the most significant concerns with Idalia is the powerful surge of windy seawater that is expected to impact barrier islands and other vulnerable areas along the coast. This could lead to extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has emphasized the seriousness of the situation and urged residents in low-lying communities to follow evacuation orders and seek higher ground for their safety.
The storm’s center is predicted to hit Florida’s Big Bend region, which is less densely populated than the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. However, millions of residents in Florida, as well as those in Georgia and South Carolina, are under hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge warnings and advisories.
As the storm approaches, preparations are underway to mitigate potential damage and ensure the safety of residents. Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina has already declared a state of emergency, and Governor DeSantis did so earlier in the week.
Idalia’s impact on Cuba resulted in damage to homes and infrastructure, and now as it continues to gain strength, all eyes are on the Gulf Coast. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the storm’s progress and heed the warnings and advisories from local authorities to protect themselves and their communities.
