TIMELINE: Hurricane Idalia expected to make landfall in Florida as Category 4 storm

Jason Kelly ,James Tutten
·7 min read

Channel 9′s team of meteorologists is in Severe Weather Center 9, tracking Hurricane Idalia as it continues its track toward Florida. Read live updates below:

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11:25 p.m. update

Hurricane Idalia is now forecast to make landfall as an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm early Wednesday near Perry, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.

The National Hurricane Center said Idalia will cause catastrophic storm surge inundation of 12 to 16 feet above ground level in Florida’s Big Bend region.

Read: Hurricane Idalia: What is the ‘dirty side’ of a tropical system?

“Residents should heed advice and evacuation orders by local officials in these areas,” the agency said.

Watch live updates from chief meteorologist right now on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

Photos: Hurricane Idalia impacts Florida


9:55 p.m. update

Port Canaveral said that it is now operating at “Condition Zulu.”

“Sustained gale force winds are predicted within 12 hours,” port officials said. “Port Canaveral is closed and has ceased all waterside and vessel shoreside port operations until further notice.”

The port said it is not issuing a marina evacuation order because of Hurricane Idalia at this time.

Click here to stream live updates on Hurricane Idalia from chief meteorologist Tom Terry on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.


9:45 p.m. update

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has made some changes to its parks’ operating schedules due to Hurricane Idalia.

SeaWorld will open at noon Wednesday instead of its regular time.

Read: Hurricane Idalia: Orlando theme parks continue to monitor storm’s track

Aquatica has announced it will be closed Wednesday and resume normal operations Thursday.

Discovery Cove will also be closed Wednesday and reopen Thursday.

Adventure Island in Tampa will be closed until Friday.


8:40 p.m. update

Tornado watches have been issued for the western half of Central Florida, including Lake, Marion, Polk and Sumter counties.

The watches will last until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

“Heavy storm squalls are making landfall along the west coast, and these could produce fast-moving brief tornadoes,” chief meteorologist Tom Terry said.

Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for live updates on weather conditions there.

Elsewhere in Florida, prison officials evacuated 4,000 prisoners from 35 facilities statewide Tuesday as Hurricane Idalia barreled up the state’s west coast.

Read: Hurricane Idalia: Florida evacuates 4,000 prisoners from 35 facilities

The Florida Department of Corrections said inmates from some of the state’s smaller prisons, work release centers and work camps were moved to more secure lodgings equipped to handle a storm that could be a Category 3 hurricane when it makes landfall Wednesday. Click here to read our full story.

See photos of the storm’s early impacts on Florida by clicking here.

A resident posted a sign at a home in Cedar Key, Florida, as Hurricane Idalia threatened the area.
A resident posted a sign at a home in Cedar Key, Florida, as Hurricane Idalia threatened the area.
American flags are placed on boarded windows ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Cedar Key.
American flags are placed on boarded windows ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Cedar Key.
The U.S. Post Office in Cedar Key, Florida, is boarded up in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia.
The U.S. Post Office in Cedar Key, Florida, is boarded up in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia.
The beach is deserted at Cedar Key as Hurricane Idalia moved up Florida's west coast on Tuesday.
The beach is deserted at Cedar Key as Hurricane Idalia moved up Florida's west coast on Tuesday.
Strong winds hit the Gulfport area in Pinellas County on Tuesday.
Strong winds hit the Gulfport area in Pinellas County on Tuesday.
Debris flies off a roof ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Fort Myers on Tuesday.
Debris flies off a roof ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Fort Myers on Tuesday.
High tide hits Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
High tide hits Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
Water rises above the docks at Fort Myers Beach as Hurricane Idalia approaches on Tuesday.
Water rises above the docks at Fort Myers Beach as Hurricane Idalia approaches on Tuesday.
High tide roars in at Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
High tide roars in at Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
Palm trees sway in the wind at Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
Palm trees sway in the wind at Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
Waves crash on Fort Myers Beach during high tide on Tuesday.
Waves crash on Fort Myers Beach during high tide on Tuesday.
People enjoy the beach in the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday as dark clouds gather.
People enjoy the beach in the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday as dark clouds gather.
Residents on Clearwater Beach walk along the shore as Hurricane Idalia moved up the west coast of Florida on Tuesday.
Residents on Clearwater Beach walk along the shore as Hurricane Idalia moved up the west coast of Florida on Tuesday.
A sign informs travelers that Tampa International Airport is closed on Tuesday as Hurricane Idalia approached the area.
A sign informs travelers that Tampa International Airport is closed on Tuesday as Hurricane Idalia approached the area.
A surfer navigates the waves at St. Petersburg Beach as Hurricane Idalia moved up Florida's west coast on Tuesday.
A surfer navigates the waves at St. Petersburg Beach as Hurricane Idalia moved up Florida's west coast on Tuesday.
Residents brace for strong winds in St Petersburg as Hurricane Idalia churns in the Gulf of Mexico.
Residents brace for strong winds in St Petersburg as Hurricane Idalia churns in the Gulf of Mexico.
Sandbags guard a colorful building in St. Petersburg as Hurricane Idalia approaches the area.
Sandbags guard a colorful building in St. Petersburg as Hurricane Idalia approaches the area.
A news reporter walks onto a dock ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Cedar Key.
A news reporter walks onto a dock ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Cedar Key.


7:15 p.m. update

Uber has announced it will be offering free roundtrip rides to and from evacuation shelters with a value of up to $35, Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a news conference Tuesday evening.

Read: Hurricane Idalia: What is a king tide and how will it affect Idalia?

Use the code IDALIARELIEF to get the discount, DeSantis said.


6 p.m. update

Gov. Ron DeSantis is giving an update on Florida’s response to Hurricane Idalia as the Category 2 storm nears the state.

Read: Hurricane Idalia: Share your photos & video

Click here to stream his remarks live.

Read: Hurricane Idalia: DCF releasing SNAP benefits early in these Florida counties


5 p.m. update

Hurricane Idalia has intensified into a Category 2 storm.

Idalia now has maximum sustained winds of 100 mph.

Read: Hurricane Idalia: Here’s how the storm is impacting Central Florida airports

The track has shifted slightly west, with Alligator Point, the Big Bend area, Steinhatchee and Horseshoe Beach all in or near the cone of uncertainty.

The cone has now shifted west of Cedar Key, but big storm surge is still expected there.

Photos: Florida braces for Hurricane Idalia

Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions are expected along portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast on Tuesday evening and Wednesday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will give an update on the state’s response to the storm at 5:45 p.m. on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Click here to watch his remarks live.


4 p.m. update

Central Florida is getting ready for any potential impacts from Hurricane Idalia as people elsewhere in the state have already evacuated.

Chief meteorologist Tom Terry explains what you can expect to experience overnight now on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

Stream the newscast live by clicking here, and download our free news and weather apps by clicking here.

A resident posted a sign at a home in Cedar Key, Florida, as Hurricane Idalia threatened the area.
A resident posted a sign at a home in Cedar Key, Florida, as Hurricane Idalia threatened the area.
American flags are placed on boarded windows ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Cedar Key.
American flags are placed on boarded windows ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Cedar Key.
The U.S. Post Office in Cedar Key, Florida, is boarded up in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia.
The U.S. Post Office in Cedar Key, Florida, is boarded up in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia.
The beach is deserted at Cedar Key as Hurricane Idalia moved up Florida's west coast on Tuesday.
The beach is deserted at Cedar Key as Hurricane Idalia moved up Florida's west coast on Tuesday.
Strong winds hit the Gulfport area in Pinellas County on Tuesday.
Strong winds hit the Gulfport area in Pinellas County on Tuesday.
Debris flies off a roof ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Fort Myers on Tuesday.
Debris flies off a roof ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Fort Myers on Tuesday.
High tide hits Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
High tide hits Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
Water rises above the docks at Fort Myers Beach as Hurricane Idalia approaches on Tuesday.
Water rises above the docks at Fort Myers Beach as Hurricane Idalia approaches on Tuesday.
High tide roars in at Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
High tide roars in at Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
Palm trees sway in the wind at Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
Palm trees sway in the wind at Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Idalia on Tuesday.
Waves crash on Fort Myers Beach during high tide on Tuesday.
Waves crash on Fort Myers Beach during high tide on Tuesday.
People enjoy the beach in the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday as dark clouds gather.
People enjoy the beach in the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday as dark clouds gather.
Residents on Clearwater Beach walk along the shore as Hurricane Idalia moved up the west coast of Florida on Tuesday.
Residents on Clearwater Beach walk along the shore as Hurricane Idalia moved up the west coast of Florida on Tuesday.
A sign informs travelers that Tampa International Airport is closed on Tuesday as Hurricane Idalia approached the area.
A sign informs travelers that Tampa International Airport is closed on Tuesday as Hurricane Idalia approached the area.
A surfer navigates the waves at St. Petersburg Beach as Hurricane Idalia moved up Florida's west coast on Tuesday.
A surfer navigates the waves at St. Petersburg Beach as Hurricane Idalia moved up Florida's west coast on Tuesday.
Residents brace for strong winds in St Petersburg as Hurricane Idalia churns in the Gulf of Mexico.
Residents brace for strong winds in St Petersburg as Hurricane Idalia churns in the Gulf of Mexico.
Sandbags guard a colorful building in St. Petersburg as Hurricane Idalia approaches the area.
Sandbags guard a colorful building in St. Petersburg as Hurricane Idalia approaches the area.
A news reporter walks onto a dock ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Cedar Key.
A news reporter walks onto a dock ahead of Hurricane Idalia in Cedar Key.


3 p.m. update

Chief meteorologist Tom Terry and certified meteorologist George Waldenberger are tracking Hurricane Idalia live in Severe Weather Center 9.

You can watch them throughout the afternoon and evening on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

Idalia’s squalls have already begun spreading over portions of the lower Florida Keys and the southwestern coast of Florida.

Read: Hurricane Idalia: Airlines issue travel advisories, allow changes

Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions are expected along portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Outside of Central Florida, Cedar Key is just starting to see rain, according to Channel 9 reporter Shannon Butler, who is there.

Residents there are required to evacuate the area by 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Butler said most residents have left already but some are riding out the storm.

Click here to download our free news and weather apps.


2:20 p.m. update

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is speaking about what that county is doing as Hurricane Idalia nears Florida.

Demings said Orange County Government and Orange County courts are suspending normal operations Wednesday.

Watch: NASA provides live look of Hurricane Idalia from International Space Center

He said there will be no trash pickup in the county Wednesday and asked anyone who had their trash picked up Tuesday to ensure they remove their empty garbage bins from roadways.

Click here to stream his remarks live, or watch them on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.


1:45 p.m. update

The Osceola County School District said classes will be canceled on Wednesday.

All district offices and school campuses will also be closed.

All after-school school activities, events, and programs are canceled Tuesday and Wednesday.

Read: Hurricane Idalia: These Central Florida school districts are closing ahead of the storm

At this time, plans are to reopen schools and district departments on Thursday.

Click here to read a full list of school closures.

Watch a live update about the hurricane from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and emergency officials on Channel 9 and by clicking here.


1 p.m. update

As Hurricane Idalia approaches, Central Florida’s world-class attractions are closely monitoring the storm.

Channel 9 is keeping tabs on possible modifications at local theme parks.

Click here to read an update from Orlando’s theme parks.

Read: Theme parks closely monitor Hurricane Idalia’s approach to Central Florida

Also on Tuesday, NASA provided live video of Hurricane Idalia from the International Space Center.

See video of the hurricane below:

Watch: NASA provides live look of Hurricane Idalia from International Space Center


12 p.m. update

Hurricane Idalia has gained strength as it moves through the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.

Idalia now has maximum winds of 85 mph.


11:30 a.m. update

Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties have announced that schools will be closed Wednesday.

Read: These Central Florida school districts are closing ahead of the storm


10:30 a.m. update

SunRail said beginning Tuesday, it will suspend train service throughout Central Florida.

Officials said the measure is being taken so they can prepare the rail corridor for the approaching storm.

Read: SunRail suspends service in preparation for Hurricane Idalia


Original report:

Idalia strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday morning as it continues it track towards Florida.

Hurricane Idalia is forecast to rapidly intensify into a major Category 3 hurricane before making landfall in the Big Bend area of the state.

Idalia is spinning northwest of Cuba with maximum sustained winds around 75 mph and is moving north at 14 mph.

Read: Tracking Idalia: Where you can pick up sandbags in Central Florida

If Idalia’s track continues to hold steady, the worst of the weather will stay to the west of Central Florida.

Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, like Charley, Irma and Ian, can be difficult to predict and there is still time for things to change.

Read: Tropical Storm Idalia: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central Florida

Our area will start to see rain squalls and winds picking up on Tuesday.

Some heavy rain bands will start moving in Tuesday night and will bring an overnight tornado risk.

Read: Tracking Idalia: These Central Florida school districts are closing ahead of the storm

Heavy rain and the risk of tornados will continue through Wednesday until Idalia starts to move out of the state Wednesday afternoon.

Channel 9 meteorologists will continue to watch for any changes and provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates: