Florida issues evacuation orders as Hurricane Idalia approaches.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders Issued as Tropical Storm Idalia Approaches Florida
Get ready, Florida! The Big Bend region is bracing itself for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to intensify into a major hurricane. Evacuation orders have been issued to ensure the safety of residents as the storm approaches the Gulf Coast.
The latest forecast indicates that Idalia will likely become a powerful Category 3 hurricane as it moves through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Landfall is expected early Wednesday, but the storm’s outer bands stretch for miles beyond. The National Hurricane Center has already reported that Idalia is approaching hurricane strength near the western tip of Cuba.
When monitoring #Idalia, remember:
- The cone only represents the probable track of the CENTER of the storm, it does NOT show the size of the storm
- Impacts will extend far outside of the area that is shown
- You should have your plan in place & heed all warnings from officials
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) August 28, 2023
Florida and neighboring states should prepare for heavy rain, flooding, storm surge, strong winds, and even tornados. Idalia is expected to impact the Panhandle and sweep along the coastline of Georgia and the Carolinas throughout the week. However, it’s important to note that certain aspects of the forecast, including the storm’s track, could change over time.
In addition to the life-threatening storm surge inundation and hurricane conditions expected along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast from #Idalia, a stripe of tropical and excessive rainfall may produce flash and urban flooding from northern Florida to the eastern Carolinas. pic.twitter.com/DQ6KE1Mu79
— National Weather Service (@NWS) August 28, 2023
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for several coastal areas, including Taylor County, Sarasota County, and the greater Tampa Bay region. Low-lying zones and vulnerable structures are particularly at risk. Voluntary evacuation areas have also been identified.
Emergency shelters are being opened, tolls are being suspended, and various warnings have been issued for hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm surges. Residents are urged to stay updated with local announcements and make necessary preparations, including anticipating power outages. Schools across Florida are closing, sandbags are being distributed, and Tampa International Airport will suspend commercial operations on Tuesday.
President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration for Florida, providing federal assistance for response efforts. Governor Ron DeSantis has been actively involved in preparations, mobilizing resources, issuing state of emergency declarations, and visiting counties expected to be directly affected by the storm.
“For those in the potential path of this storm, stay tuned for updates & heed all evacuation orders,” DeSantis said on Monday in a post to X, directing people to follow the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the most up-to-date information.
As of 5 p.m. #Idalia is forecast to make landfall at Florida’s Big Bend on Wednesday as a major hurricane. For those in the potential path of this storm, stay tuned for updates & heed all evacuation orders.
Follow @FLSERT and your local media for the most up-to-date information. pic.twitter.com/4moLnIpaom
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 28, 2023
Meanwhile, off the eastern coast of Florida, Hurricane Franklin poses a threat with its life-threatening storm surge and rip currents along the southeastern coastline. Although it is not expected to make landfall in the United States, caution is advised for those in the affected areas.
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