DeSantis declares state of emergency as hurricane approaches Florida.
Tropical Storm Idalia Set to Strengthen into Category 3 Hurricane
Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to intensify into a powerful Category 3 hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on the morning of August 30, according to the latest forecast model released by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) on August 28.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded the state of emergency to include 13 additional counties, bringing the total to 46 counties. He had already declared an emergency in 33 counties in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.
“Pretty much anybody on the west coast of Florida, you could see major, major impacts,”
– Governor Ron DeSantis
Tropical Storm Idalia, currently located about 90 miles south of Cuba’s western portion, is already prompting tropical storm warnings for Florida’s Dry Tortugas. The hurricane center forecasters warned that hurricane warnings for Florida are likely to be issued soon. They also emphasized the increasing likelihood of “life-threatening” conditions for parts of the state.
The NHC’s forecast discussion stated that Idalia is expected to move between a mid-level trough over the central Gulf of Mexico and a strengthening ridge over the Greater Antilles. It is projected to become a hurricane near western Cuba and then accelerate north-northeast and northeast due to a deeper trough swinging across the mid-western United States.
While the updated forecast is similar to the previous one, forecasters caution that even a small deviation in the track could significantly alter Idalia’s landfall location along Florida’s west coast.
Governor DeSantis, a Republican 2024 presidential candidate, issued a warning to residents during a news conference as the storm approached. He urged Gulf Coast residents to stay alert, emphasizing the potential for the storm to change direction.
“I would just caution people to remain vigilant. I would just say to anybody on the Gulf Coast, certainly from Tampa all the way up to places like Bay County, you should absolutely be very vigilant right now.”
– Governor Ron DeSantis
The governor also advised residents to follow the storm’s track and encouraged municipalities and electric outfits to accept mutual aid for a quicker restoration of power, citing the experience after Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Florida’s western coast is particularly vulnerable to storm surges, with the potential for seawater to flood communities when a tropical storm or hurricane approaches. Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, emphasized this vulnerability and urged residents to pay close attention to the storm.
“So if you’re anywhere along the Florida Peninsula, western Florida Peninsula, so let’s say from about Fort Myers northward to the Panhandle, you’ve really got to be paying attention.”
– Jamie Rhome, Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center
In addition, Mexico’s National Meteorological Service warned of intense torrential rains and high winds in the Yucatan Peninsula, advising citizens to stay alert and be prepared for powerful waves and potential flooding in coastal cities.
Florida emergency officials have urged residents to keep their vehicle gas tanks at least half-full in case of evacuation, ensuring they can travel to safe locations tens of miles inland if necessary.
Stay informed and stay safe as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches the Gulf Coast. Let’s all work together to navigate this storm and its potential impacts.
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