Hurricane Idalia Strengthens and Approaches Florida: State of Emergency Declared
Tropical storm Idalia is rapidly intensifying as it heads towards Florida, causing residents to scramble to prepare for the anticipated impact of what is predicted to be a major storm. The National Hurricane Center has announced that Idalia is expected to become an extremely dangerous hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday.
The hurricane center has issued warnings of “life-threatening” storm surge and hurricane conditions along parts of the Gulf Coast for Tuesday night and Wednesday. As a result, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency covering 46 counties. Evacuation notices have been issued in 22 counties, with mandatory orders in effect for some residents in eight of them.
Speaking at a news conference, Governor DeSantis urged residents to make their final preparations immediately and emphasized the importance of seeking higher ground in safe structures rather than leaving the state. Tolls were suspended along Florida’s west coast, and shelters have been opened to accommodate those in need.
Schools across more than three dozen Florida counties are closed for the week, with many remaining shuttered until at least Wednesday, according to the Florida Department of Education.
The projected path of Hurricane Idalia shows a landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast, with the Big Bend area being the likely center of impact. CBS News senior weather and climate producer, David Parkinson, predicts the storm will hit on Wednesday morning, between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET.
The hurricane is expected to reach a minimum Category 3 strength, which means sustained wind speeds of 111-129 mph and the potential for devastating damage. This qualifies it as a “major” hurricane with the potential for significant loss of life and damage. Hurricane watches and warnings are already in effect for parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
In addition to Florida, governors in North Carolina and Georgia have also declared states of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Idalia. The storm is predicted to bring heavy rainfall of up to 8 inches in some areas, leading to flash flooding. Storm surge, another potentially deadly hazard, is expected along the coast and could reach heights of up to 15 feet in certain areas.
Residents are being urged to closely monitor the updates and warnings issued by the National Hurricane Center and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the protection of their property.