Hurricane Idalia Strengthens and Threatens Florida’s Gulf Coast

Idalia Intensifies into an Extremely Dangerous Major Hurricane

Idalia strengthened into a hurricane early Tuesday and is forecast to intensify quickly into an extremely dangerous major hurricane before making landfall over Florida’s Gulf Coast Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center says. It’s likely to move close to the Carolina coastline on Thursday, the center added.

Idalia’s Path and Impact

• Idalia was over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.
• Its path is expected to impact a wide central portion of the state, including cities such as Tampa and Orlando.
• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expects Idalia to become at least a Category 3 hurricane before landfall.
• Communities are under severe weather advisories, including hurricane and tropical storm warnings and watches, as well as storm surge warnings and watches.

Hurricane Franklin in the Atlantic

Hurricane Franklin, to the east over the Atlantic, is a major Category 4 hurricane and is bringing life-threatening surf and rip currents along the southeastern U.S. coastline, which are expected to spread northward.

Where is Hurricane Idalia Going to Hit?

Florida’s Gulf Coast, including central parts of the state and the Panhandle, is in Idalia’s sights. The National Hurricane Center warns of the danger of life-threatening storm surge along portions of the Florida coastline.

When is Hurricane Idalia Expected to Make Landfall?

Idalia is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warns residents to prepare for “major impacts” tied to the oncoming storm.

Impact and Preparations

• Storm surge watches and hurricane watches are in effect for large portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle.
• Coastal areas from Cape Sable to the Florida Keys could see storm surges of up to two or three feet above ground level.
• Potential surges of up to 11 feet are estimated for much of northwestern Florida and into the Panhandle.
• Flash and urban flooding are expected across portions of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Georgia, spreading into portions of the eastern Carolinas.

Idalia and Franklin’s Paths

Idalia is projected to track over the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida’s west coast, while Franklin is not expected to hit Florida but may cause rough surf conditions and rip currents along the East Coast.

Potential Risks from Idalia

• Possibility of strong and potentially damaging wind gusts extending well eastward from the storm’s center.
• Torrential downpours and increasing tornado threats in eastern parts of the state.