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Lightning flashes as Tropical Storm Idalia forecast to hit Florida
Hurricane Idalia has strengthened into a dangerous Category 4 storm as it barrels towards Florida where it is expected to make landfall on Wednesday morning.
The storm intensified to a Category 4 major hurricane at around 5am ET with the National Hurricane Center warning of “catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds” nearing the Florida Big Bend.
Idalia has already forced mass evacuations in low-lying areas and the state activated 55,000 national guardsmen and 25,000 electric linemen ahead of the hurricane’s arrival.
“The property – we can rebuild someone’s home. You can’t unring the bell, though, if somebody stays in harm’s way and does battle with Mother Nature,” governor Ron DeSantis said.
Idalia’s most dangerous feature appeared to be the powerful surge of wind-driven seawater, up to 15 feet, that is expected to hit barrier islands and other low-lying areas along the coast.
A terrifying forecast model has also shown that Hurricane Idalia could hit the state of Florida twice over the coming week. Global Forecasting System, a federal hurricane projection model, forecasts that Idalia will first make landfall on Florida’s big bend region on Wednesday morning.
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WATCH: Flood barrier installed around hospital as Hurricane Idalia barrels towards Florida
Flood barrier installed around hospital as Hurricane Idalia barrels towards Florida
Rachel Sharp30 August 2023 11:13
National Hurricane Center’s 6am ET update:
“Here is the 6am EDT Position Update for #Hurricane #Idalia. Catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds will begin soon in the Florida Big Bend near where the core of the hurricane makes landfall,” the agency tweeted.
Rachel Sharp30 August 2023 11:06
Governor Ron DeSantis to hold press conference on Wednesday morning
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will hold a press conference at 6.30am ET on Wednesday morning as Hurricane Idalia heads to make landfall in the state.
FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie, Major General John Haas, US Coast Guard Rear Admiral Doug Schofield and Leon County Commisioner Christian Caban will also appear at the briefing.
The Independent will bring updates from the briefing here.
Rachel Sharp30 August 2023 10:58
Map of peak storm surges:
The National Hurricane Center has released maps of the current peak storm surge.
Rachel Sharp30 August 2023 10:40
Idalia strengthens to Category 4 hurricane
Hurricane Idalia has strengthened into a dangerous Category 4 storm as it barrels towards Florida where it is expected to make landfall on Wednesday morning.
The storm intensified to a Category 4 major hurricane at around 5am ET with the National Hurricane Center warning of “catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds” nearing the Florida Big Bend.
Rachel Sharp30 August 2023 10:24
Port Canaveral shutters as Idalia barrels towards Florida
Port Canaveral has shuttered all operations as Category 3 Hurricane Idalia barrels towards Florida.
The US Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville said in a news release on Tuesday night that the port – which is one of the world’s busiest cruise ports – had been set to hurricane condition “ZULU”.
This means that Port Canaveral is closed and has ceased all waterside and vessel shoreside port operations until further notice.
“Based on current forecasts and storm information, Port Canaveral is not issuing a marina evacuation order for Hurricane Idalia. Vessels berthed at marinas located in Port Canaveral should consult with their marina owner/operator and comply with marina specific requirements and precautions,” the USCG said.
Rachel Sharp30 August 2023 10:20
Idalia causes widespread power outages in Big Bend region
Hurricane Idalia has caused widespread power outages in the Big Bend region of Florida, plunging thousands of residents into darkness as they brace for the incoming storm.
More than 49,000 customers were without power as of 4.30am ET on Wednesday morning, according to Poweroutage.us.
At this time, the hurricane is yet to make landfall.
When it does, further power outages are expected as the state is pelted with “catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds”.
Rachel Sharp30 August 2023 10:00
WATCH: World Equestrian Center races to protect horses as Hurricane Idalia heads for Florida
Tracking Idalia: World Equestrian Center
Rachel Sharp30 August 2023 09:40
Hurricane Idalia continues to strengthen as it heads for Florida
Hurricane Idalia continues to strengthen as it heads for Florida, where residents have been warned to brace for “catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds”.
“Hurricane Hunter data indicate that Hurricane #Idalia is still strengthening,” the National Hurricane Center said.
“Catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds will begin soon in the Florida Big Bend near where the core of the hurricane makes landfall.”
Rachel Sharp30 August 2023 09:20
Tampa Police Chief warns: ‘Turn around, don’t drown’
Florida leaders are warning residents against driving through dangerous storm surge waters, saying that conditions can escalate unexpectedly within minutes.
“I was out on Bayshore today at 1:30, and it was dry — literally a half hour later there were portions of Bayshore that were already flooded. I witnessed for myself people driving in the water,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said on Tuesday. “Don’t be that person. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown.”
Josh Marcus30 August 2023 09:00
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