Hurricane Idalia strengthens as it heads toward Florida: Path live updates

Storm Idalia strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday and is expected to rapidly intensify before making landfall along the western coast of Florida on Wednesday.

Large parts of the coastline are at risk for storm surges and floods of up to 12 feet. Evacuation notices have been issued in 21 counties with mandatory orders for some people in eight of those counties. Residents were loading up on sandbags and heading to emergency shelters.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a press conference on Monday: “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.”

Hurricane Idalia is moving through the Gulf of Mexico after lashing Cuba with heavy rain, especially in the westernmost part of the island, where the province of Pinar del Rio is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian last September.

Key points

• When will Hurricane Idalia make landfall in Florida?

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warns Idalia will become ‘powerful’ hurricane

• Hurricane Idalia mapped: Storm tracker

• Where does Idalia rank among strongest hurricanes to hit Florida?

WATCH: World Equestrian Center races to protect horses as Hurricane Idalia heads for Florida

09:40 , Rachel Sharp

Hurricane Idalia continues to strengthen as it heads for Florida

09:20 , Rachel Sharp

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.”

Tampa Police Chief warns: ‘Turn around, don’t drown'

09:00 , Josh Marcus

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.”

Tornado watch for parts of Florida

08:40 , Stuti Mishra

Meanwhile, a tornado watch was also issued until 6am ET for 3.7 million people in the western peninsula of Florida.

When and where will Idalia make landfall today?

08:30 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Idalia, now a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120mph, is barrelling toward Florida's coast, already battering it with high tides and ferocious winds.

The storm is expected to make landfall between 6am and 9am this morning south of Perry, Florida, after becoming an even stronger Category 4 hurricane, which means it should be considered "extremely dangerous".

It is expected to reach wind speeds in excess of 130mph, with the most extreme winds passing just southeast of Tallahassee.

"Additional strengthening is forecast, and Idalia is forecast to become a Category 4 hurricane before it reaches the Big Ben coast of Florida this morning," said the National Hurricane Center in its early morning update.

"Idalia is likely to still be a hurricane while moving across southern Georgia, and possibly when it reaches the coast of Georgia or southern South Carolina late today."

In the state's Big Bend area, forecasters are warning of a record-breaking storm surge of 10 to 15 feet.

Watch live: Hurricane Idalia pummels Cedar Key, Florida as it comes ashore

08:10 , Stuti Mishra

Watch live as Hurricane Idalia pummels Cedar Key, Florida as it comes ashore.

Watch live: Hurricane Idalia pummels Cedar Key, Florida as it comes ashore

Despite rivalry, Gavin Newsom sending search-and-rescue team to Florida

07:59 , Josh Marcus

California Gavin Newsom has made no secret of his distaste for Florida governor Ron DeSantis, but the Democrat’s office announced on Tuesday he’s sending state search-and-rescue specialists to assist the Gulf region in responding to Hurricane Idalia.

Here’s more on the long, complicated relationship between the two men.

The long, bitter rivalry between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom

Idalia to bring 12-16 feet storm surge

07:55 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Idalia’s most dangerous feature appears to be the powerful surge of wind-driven seawater that is expected to hit barrier islands and other low-lying areas along the coast.

The NHC warning centre shows the storm could bring sea surge as high as 16 feet to some areas, particularly from St Marks to Cedar Key.

"That will be catastrophic and you can't survive that," warned meteorologist Craig Ceecee. "Anyone still there in a flood zone needs to leave now while they still have a chance."

Idalia to bring 12-16 feet storm surge

07:30 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Idalia’s most dangerous feature appears to be the powerful surge of wind-driven seawater that is expected to hit barrier islands and other low-lying areas along the coast.

The NHC warning centre shows the storm could bring sea surge as high as 16 feet to some areas, particularly from St Marks to Cedar Key.

"That will be catastrophic and you can't survive that," warned meteorologist Craig Ceecee.

"Anyone still there in a flood zone needs to leave now while they still have a chance."

Idalia intensifies to Category 3

07:10 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Idalia has been upgraded to a Category 3 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center, as it continues to barrel towards Florida's Gulf Coast gaining further strength.

The storm, which is packing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, is now classified as a major hurricane, with catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds expected in the Big Bend region.

Idalia will further grow in strength and become a Category 4 "extremely dangerous" storm by the time it makes landfall today in south of Perry, Florida.

The hurricane is about 100 miles southwest of Cedar Key and 175 miles south of Tallahassee, and is moving at about 15 mph.

Watch: Hurricane Idalia batters Key West resort

06:50 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Idalia batters Key West resort

Millions in and close to Florida under Idalia-related advisories

06:30 , Stuti Mishra

Most of Florida’s 21 million residents, along with many in Georgia and South Carolina, are under hurricane, tropical storm and storm surge warnings and advisories as Idalia is set to make landfall on Wednesday.

State emergency declarations were issued in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

In Florida, Idalia-related disruptions extended to its Atlantic coast at Cape Canaveral, where the Tuesday launch of a rocket carrying a US Space Force intelligence satellite was delayed indefinitely due to the hurricane.

The NHC said Idalia’s centre would likely hit Florida’s coastline somewhere in the Big Bend region, where the state’s northern panhandle curves into the Gulf side of the Florida Peninsula, roughly bounded by the inland cities of Gainesville and Tallahassee, the state capital.

Satellite visuals show lightning within Hurricane Idalia

06:00 , Stuti Mishra

New satellite images taken during sunset on Tuesday show the rapidly intensifying Hurricane Idalia churning towards Florida, with lightning spotted within its rainbands.

Biden promises federal government will give Florida ‘everything they need’ to respond to Idalia

05:40 , Stuti Mishra

The White House says it will do whatever is necessary to support Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia.

“We’re gonna make sure that they have everything they need,” the president said on Tuesday.

Hurricane Idalia expected to land as Category 4 storm

05:20 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Idalia is gaining fury as it crawls toward Florida's Gulf Coast, and is now forecast to reach Category 4 intensity by the time it makes landfall.

The storm is expected to arrive on Wednesday morning, forcing mass evacuations in low-lying areas expected to be swamped.

Idalia was generating maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour (177 kph) by late Tuesday night - at the upper end of Category 2 - and its force will ratchet higher before it slams ashore, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) projected.

By that time the storm was forecast to reach "an extremely dangerous Category 4 intensity" - with maximum sustained winds of at least 130 mph (209 kph) - on the five-step Saffir-Simpson wind scale, the NHC reported.

The hurricane was upgraded on Tuesday evening to a Category 2 after its top wind speeds surpassed 95 mph (153 kph), feeding on the warm, open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Any storm designated Category 3 or higher is classified as a major hurricane.

Idalia's most dangerous feature, however, appeared to be the powerful surge of wind-driven seawater it is expected to deliver to barrier islands and other low-lying areas along the coast.

Live: View of Fort Myers as Hurricane Idalia hurtles towards Florida

05:02 , Stuti Mishra

Climate change makes rapidly intensifying storms ‘more likely'

04:20 , Josh Marcus

The climate crisis will make the prospect of storms rapidly intensifying over warm ocean waters much more likely, according to scientists.

“The frequency of cases of rapid intensification has increased in recent years,” Allison Wing, an assistant professor of atmospheric science at Florida State University, told CNN on Tuesday. “While each storm has a unique set of circumstances, climate change makes the occurrence of strong hurricanes that rapidly intensify more likely.”

Rapid intensification occurs when a storm’s wind speed increases by at least 35 mph in 24 hours or less.

The process makes storms more dangerous and harder to prepare for.

How climate change is impacted Hurricane Idalia

03:20 , Josh Marcus

Hurricanes draw their energy from warm sea waters, and few places are hotter right now than those surrounding Florida.

“It’s 88, 89 degrees (31, 32 degrees Celsius) over where the storm’s going to be tracking, so that’s effectively rocket fuel for the storm,” Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach told The Associated Press on Tuesday. “It’s basically all systems go for the storm to intensify.”

Climate change, in addition to a natural El Niño pattern, are causing extremely warm waters in the Atlantic Ocean at the moment.

Flashback: Ron DeSantis doesn’t acknowledge human role in climate crisis

02:20 , Josh Marcus

As a hurricane heads towards Florida, it’s worth remembering that Governor Ron DeSantis, who will lead the state’s disaster response, would not vocally acknowledge the human drivers of the climate crisis during last week’s Republican debate.

Instead of expounding on his views, he lashed out at Joe Biden for his response to the deadly Maui fires, the deadliest wildfire in more than a century in the US, a disaster that was fuelled in part by the climate crisis, according to scientists.

“First of all, one of the reasons our country has declined is because of the way the corporate media treats Republicans versus Democrats,” Mr DeSantis said. “Biden was on the beach while those people were suffering. He was asked about it and said no comment. Are you kidding me? As someone who has handled disasters in Florida, you’ve gotta be activated. You’ve gotta be there. You’ve gotta be present. You’ve gotta be helping people who are doing this.”

The only candidate who affirmatively acknowledged the reality of the climate crisis at length was former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley.

Republican candidates spark outrage with sweeping climate crisis denial at debate

Clouds darken sky as Hurricane Idalia approaches Tampa

01:50 , Josh Marcus

Hurricane Idalia isn’t expected to make landfall until Wednesday, but the skies area already darkening on the Florida coast.

A wall of dark clouds could be seen looming above the ocean off the coast of Tampa, even as some beachgoers continued to play in the water.

Florida cities already flooding from Hurricane Idalia

01:20 , Josh Marcus

Hurricane Idalia’s outer bands are already arriving on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Residents of Fort Myers Beach, in the south of the state, captured ankle-deep flooding on Tuesday, even as the storm isn’t expected to arrive in full force until tomorrow.

Watch below via AccuWeather.

WATCH: Ron DeSantis provides update on incoming Hurricane Idalia

00:50 , Josh Marcus

Florida governor Ron DeSantis spoke from Lake City, Florida, on Tuesday to warn residents about the incoming Hurricane Idalia, which is expected to make landfall on Wednesday.

See his full remarks below.

‘Don’t mess around with this,’ forecast warns

00:20 , Josh Marcus

Forecasters say Hurricane Idalia, which is barreling towards the Gulf Coast of Florida, is unprecedented.

“You need to complete your preparations today if you live in the Florida big bend. To put this system into the historical context, there are NO major hurricanes in the historical dataset going back to 1851 that have tracked into Apalachee Bay. None,” the National Weather Service said on Tuesday in a public forecast. “Don`t mess around with this. Follow the advice of your local emergency management.”

Florida braces for arrival of Hurricane Idalia at full force

23:52 , Josh Marcus

Parts of Hurricane Idalia are already arriving in the Florida Keys, with the storm expected to land in full force on Wednesday.

“This whole town is very, very old, so a lot of the infrastructure that’s on Second Street … it’s been there for 100-plus years. I’m just really worried it might not be the same when we get back,” Carol Carlin of Cedar Key told The Miami Herald as she prepared to evacuate.

Florida has stationed 55,000 national guardsmen and 25,000 electric linemen ahead of the hurricane’s arrival, according to the governor’s office.

WATCH: Hurricane Idalia batters Key West resort

23:29 , Josh Marcus

Storm Idalia strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday, 29 August and is expected to rapidly intensify before making landfall along the western coast of Florida on Wednesday.

Idalia is expected to be a historic event with “life-threatening” storm surges of up to 15 feet from tonight into Wednesday in the Big Bend area, according to authorties.

The latest National Weather Service update for Key West states: “A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the Lower Florida Keys, from the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge through Key West.”

Hurricane Idalia batters Key West resort

Hurricane Idalia arrives on anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and Ida

22:55 , Josh Marcus

Hurricane Idalia, expected to make landfall in the US on Wednesday, is arriving near the anniversaries of hurricanes Katrina and Ida, two of the deadliest hurricanes in US history.

Both of those storms slammed into the Gulf Coast on 29 August, in 2005 and 2021, respectively.

Together, they killed what’s believed to be more than 1,400 people.

National Weather Service warns of ‘catastrophic impacts’ from Hurricane Idalia

22:32 , Josh Marcus

Hurricane Idalia could bring “catastrophic impacts” when it arrives on land over Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

“Catastrophic impacts from storm surge inundation of 10 to 15 feet above ground level and destructive waves are expected,” the NWS warned in a Tuesday forecast, particularly between Aucilla River and Yankeetown, Florida.

“There is potential for destructive life-threatening winds where the core of Idalia moves onshore in the Big Bend region of Florida, with hurricane conditions expected elsewhere,” the NWS added.

‘One word: Leave’: Residents warned to evacuate from high-risk island

22:04 , Louise Boyle

On the island of Cedar Key, Commissioner Sue Colson joined other city officials in packing up documents and electronics at City Hall. She had a message for the almost 900 residents who were under mandatory orders to evacuate the island near the coast of the Big Bend region.

More than a dozen state troopers went door to door warning residents that storm surge could rise as high as 15 feet (4.5 meters).

“One word: Leave,” Colson said. “It’s not something to discuss.”

Not everyone was heeding the warning. Andy Bair, owner of the Island Hotel, said he intended to “babysit” his bed-and-breakfast, which predates the Civil War. The building has not flooded in the almost 20 years he has owned it, not even when Hurricane Hermine flooded the city in 2016.

“Being a caretaker of the oldest building in Cedar Key, I just feel kind of like I need to be here,” Bair said. “We’ve proven time and again that we’re not going to wash away. We may be a little uncomfortable for a couple of days, but we’ll be OK eventually.”

The Associated Press

Why stormy weather this week could make or break Ron DeSantis

21:40 , Louise Boyle

Florida governor is facing negative headlines with Hurricane Idalia and the mass shooting in Jacksonville, but he has a chance to get good coverage too, writes Washington Bureau Chief Eric Garcia.

Why stormy weather this week could make or break Ron DeSantis

American Red Cross announces $1bn plan to address climate crisis in disaster relief work

21:20 , Louise Boyle

As Hurricane Idalia bears down on Florida, the Red Cross announced today an unprecedented $1 billion plan to address the climate crisis through their disaster relief work.

It’s the first effort from the organization to connect the climate crisis to disaster work and will encompass disaster relief, new international programs on climate response and preparedness, and sustainability efforts to minimize its own environmental footprint.

“As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network and a national leader in disaster relief, the American Red Cross is uniquely positioned to provide support to those who are threatened by climate-driven extreme weather,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross.

“I can tell you firsthand that our changing climate is a humanitarian crisis for the communities and people we serve, and as fast as we are working to adapt, the needs are escalating faster. There is no time to wait.”

Watch: Western Florida makes last preparations as Hurricane Idalia looms

21:01 , Louise Boyle

Pictured: Battening down the hatches

20:42 , Louise Boyle

The counties with evacuation orders in place

20:23 , Louise Boyle

More than 20 counties are under evacuation orders in Florida in western and central parts of the state”

• Citrus County

• Dixie County

• Franklin County

• Gilchrist County

• Gulf County

• Hernando County

• Hillsborough County

• Jefferson County

• Lafayette County

• Levy County

• Madison County

• Manatee County

• Marion County

• Pasco County

• Pinellas County

• Sarasota County

• Sumter County

• Suwannee County

• Union County

• Volusia County

• Wakulla County

20:20 , Louise Boyle

Josh Dozor, former deputy assistant administrator of FEMA and current general manager of medical and security assistance at risk mitigation company, International SOS, shared key points on staying safe during Hurricane Idalia withThe Independent via email.

“With Hurricane Idalia likely to result in severe winds, flooding, and storm surges, it’s essential to listen to local authorities to learn if your area is under the requirement for evacuation.

“It is expected that additional voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders likely in the coming hours and disruption to local infrastructure and transportation will continue in the days following landfall.

“To ensure safety, International SOS is recommending to:

• Defer all travel to parts of Florida state in the projected path of the storm until at least 31 August. These areas include coastal portions of West Florida from Sarasota in the south to Panama City Beach in the north, as well as inland cities in the storm’s path, such as Gainesville. Out of an abundance of caution and due to the potential for changes in the storm’s trajectory, International SOS recommends those in the above-mentioned locations depart as soon as possible if they meet any of the below criteria:

• Monitor developments and anticipate disruption associated with Idalia’s passage. The trajectory and intensity of tropical cyclones can change abruptly.

• Monitor the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) for up-to-date information on the storm’s progress and any related advisories.

• Reconfirm bookings with travel providers. In the event of cancellations, your travel agent will be able to help with alternative arrangements.

• Flash floods are possible following prolonged spells of rain. Ensure routes are clear prior to departure and allow additional times for journeys. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and look for an alternate route.

Watch: Florida coastguard prepare rescue helicopters ahead of Hurricane Idalia

20:00 , Louise Boyle

Disney remains open, and is ‘monitoring’ hurricane

19:55 , Louise Boyle

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions, according to the latest statement from the company on Tuesday morning.

“We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members,” a post on the Walt Disney website read.

Hurricane Idalia joins a march of climate-driven disasters

19:42 , Louise Boyle

Hurricane Idalia may be the first to hit Florida this hurricane season - but it joins a long list of disasters in the United States and globally which are being amplified by the climate crisis.

The state of Hawaii is in recovery mode and still searching for victims after devastating wildfires on the island of Maui where drought conditions are believed to have played a role.

Earlier this month, the first tropical storm in almost a century hit California, causing flash flooding and mudslides. In July, Vermont was deluged by major flooding. And in early June, air quality plummeted across large parts of the United States and Canada as hundreds of wildfires rage out of control north of the border.

The climate crisis, driven by the emissions from burning fossil fuels, is raising the average global temperature and causing a cascade of impacts around the world.

Ocean temperatures have reached historic highs in many parts of the world this summer due to global heating and the developing recurring weather pattern, El Nino.

The Gulf of Mexico is experiencing high surface temperatures which scientists say could supercharge Idalia with stronger winds and more moisture as it comes ashore.

Cuba battered by Idalia

19:18 , Louise Boyle

Idalia thrashed Cuba with heavy rain, especially in the westernmost part of the island, where the tobacco-producing province of Pinar del Rio is still recovering from Ian.

More than 10,000 people evacuated to shelters or stayed with friends and relatives as up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain fell. More than half of the province was without electricity. (AP)

Pictured: Hurricane Idalia impacts begin in south Florida

19:03 , Louise Boyle

Visitors to the Southernmost Point buoy braved the waves to take photos on Tuesday as Hurricane Idalia passed the Florida Keys some 175 miles to the west on Tuesday in Key West.

Forecasters warned that Idalia is expected to increase in strength before it makes landfall somewhere in the Big Bend area of western Florida on Wedneday morning.

Hurricane Idalia captured from space

18:40 , Louise Boyle

Hurricane Idalia is strengthening as it moves towards Florida and the sheer scale of the vast storm was captured in high-resolution satellite imagery on Tuesday.

The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University shared the imagery of Idalia as the sun came up.

Gas stations running out of fuel in Florida

18:21 , Louise Boyle

Gas stations are Florida were running out of gas on Tuesday as residents raced to evacuate ahead of the major Hurricane Idalia.

According to GasBuddy, a social media account which tracks fuel, as of 10am (Eastern Time), 10 per cent of stations in the state were empty at the pump.

The most impacted area was Gainesville (4.7 per cent) then Fort Myers and Naples at 4 per cent. Tampa and St Petersburg followed with 2.6 per cent and then Orlando (0.5 per cent).

Watch: Idalia soaks battered Cuba with heavy rains

18:00 , Louise Boyle

Storm surge is biggest threat, say forecasters

17:39 , Louise Boyle

The biggest hazard from Hurricane Idalia is storm surge, warned the National Hurricane Center on Tuesday.

“We’re expecting a surge as much as 8 to 12 feet above normal tide levels in portions of the Big Bend area of Florida,” said Robbie Berg, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

While Big Bend is relatively densely-populated, major cities were also expected to see several feet of water.

Some 4ft-7ft of storm surge was expected in the Tampa Bay area; and 2ft-4ft in Charlotte Harbor.

Watch: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gives update on Hurricane Idalia

17:19 , Louise Boyle

National Hurricane Center’s latest update

17:02 , Louise Boyle

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued the latest warnings on Idalia at 11am (eastern time) on Tuesday. The hurricane is currently around 275 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida

Among the key points:

- Idalia is strengthening and portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida will be hit with “life-threatening” storm surge and hurricane conditions from Tuesday night

- A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Englewood northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay

- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Cuban province of Pinar del Rio; Middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay

- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Isle of Youth, Cuba; Dry Tortugas, Florida; Chokoloskee northward to the Middle of Longboat Key; West of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach; Sebastian Inlet Florida to South Santee River, South Carolina

- A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Chokoloskee northward to Englewood, including Charlotte Harbour; Mouth of the St. Mary’s River to South Santee River, South Carolina

- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Englewood to the Middle of Longboat Key

- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Lower Florida Keys west of the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge; South Santee River northward to Surf City, North Carolina

Source: National Weather Service

Watch: Horse trainers prepare animals for Idalia

16:41 , Louise Boyle

Florida readies for Hurricane Idalia

16:20 , Louise Boyle

Tolls have been waived on highways out of the danger area in Florida as the state rushes to complete preparations as Hurricane Idalia looms.

Shelters have opened, hotels are prepared to take evacuees and more than 30,000 utility workers are being staged to make repairs as quickly as possible in the hurricane’s wake, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said on Tuesday.

“You do not have to leave the state. You don’t have to drive hundreds of miles. You have to get to higher ground in a safe structure. You can ride the storm out there, then go back to your home,” he said.

The Associated Press

Watch: Florida towns rush to prepare and evacuate ahead of Hurricane Idalia

16:05 , Louise Boyle

Where does Idalia rank among strongest hurricanes to hit Florida?

15:49 , Louise Boyle

The National Hurricane Center warned that Hurricane Idalia is expected to strengthen and become extremely dangerous before hitting the west coast of Florida, near the Big Bend area on Wednesday morning.

Winds could reach at least 111 mph (178 kph) from Idalia, a Category 3 hurricane, and create life-threatening coastal surges of up to 12ft.

As it moves inland, rainfall of up to 10 inches is expected in parts of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

Below are some of the strongest hurricanes to hit Florida, based on the storm-intensity scale of minimum atmospheric pressure. A lower pressure in millibars, or mb, indicates the power the storm. Storm Idalia is currently at 977 MB.

Labor Day, 1935: Unnamed hurricane, Florida Keys

892MB: The hurricane smacked into the Florida Keys as a Category 5, the highest ranking, with winds of up to 185 mph. In the upper Florida Keys, storm surge reached up to 20ft and wiping out nearly all structures between Tavernier and Marathon, and obliterating the town of Islamorada. Some 423 people died including many World War 1 veterans who had been in work camps in the Keys to construct a new highway.

Hurricane Michael, 2018

919MB: Michael, a late season hurricane, was the strongest on record to make landfall in the state. It came ashore in the Florida panhandle with sustained winds of 160mph and storm surge of 14ft in places.

The cities of Mexico Beach and Panama City were the most severely impacted. Hurricane Michael caused 74 deaths and $25billion in damages.

Hurricane Andrew, 1992

922MB: Andrew plowed into Miami-Dade County, south of Miami, in the early morning of 24 August with winds of 165mph. Contrary to what’s normal, almost all the damage in Florida was caused by the powerful winds rather than storm surge. Some 65 people died and damages topped $27 billion.

Hurricane Ian, 2022

947MB: Last September, Hurricane Ian roared ashore on the southwest coast of Florida with 150mph winds, a Category 4 storm. Nearly 150 deaths were reported and 20,000 buildings destroyed or severely damaged.

‘Don’t mess around with this'

15:20 , Louise Boyle

The National Weather Service office in Tallahassee issued a stark warning to Floridians as Hurricane Idalia moved towards the west coast.

“To put this system into the historical context, there are NO major hurricanes in the historical dataset going back to 1851 that have tracked into Apalachee Bay. None. Don’t mess around with this. Follow the advice of your local emergency management.”

Watch: Lightning flashes inside Idalia as monster hurricane moves towards Florida

15:04 , Louise Boyle

When will Hurricane Idalia make landfall in Florida?

14:38 , Louise Boyle

Storm Idalia strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday and is expected to rapidly intensify before making landfall along the west coast of Florida on Wednesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Idalia will likely make landfall along Big Bend – a low-lying area with many marshlands. Up to 12 feet of storm surge is forecast in the area, NHC reported.

All flights in and out of Tampa International Airport canceled

13:55 , Rachel Sharp

All flights in and out of Tampa International Airport have been canceled as Hurricane Idalia heads to the state of Florida.

The airport announced that it was shutting from midnight on Monday.

Is it safe to travel to Florida as Hurricane Idalia hits the US state?

13:35 , Rachel Sharp

Tropical Storm Idalia, now officially classed as a hurricane, is hurtling towards the US state of Florida, where hundreds of residents have been ordered to leave their homes.

A state of emergency was issued in 46 of Florida’s 67 counties, a wide patch that stretches across the northern half of the state from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast. Across this area, residents have been heading to shelters and loading up on sandbags.

Several counties are at risk of life-threatening floods, and Florida governor Ron DeSantis said of the evacuations in a press conference on 28 August: “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.”

Read more...

Is it safe to travel to Florida as Hurricane Idalia hits?

WATCH: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warns that Idalia will become ‘powerful’ hurricane

13:15 , Rachel Sharp

Where is Hurricane Idalia now? Tropical storm system mapped

12:55 , Rachel Sharp

Hurricane Idalia was upgraded from a tropical storm status to a powerful hurricane on Tuesday morning as it barreled towards Florida’s Gulf Coast, where locals are bracing themselves for a life-threatening storm surge and dangerous high winds.

Western Cuba has already been hit by torrential rainfall and flooding from Idalia that could yet lead to mudslides, bringing further devastation to the tobacco-producing province of Pinar del Rio, which was hammered by Hurricane Ian last September.

As of Tuesday morning, Idalia is now crossing the Gulf of Mexico with maximum speeds of 70mph and is expected to turn north-northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday before moving at a faster pace, reported the US National Hurricane Center.

Check out a map of the path of the storm here:

Suspect charged in 2021 Boulder supermarket shooting competent for trial

Several Florida counties under evacuation orders

12:35 , Rachel Sharp

Several Florida counties are currently under evacuation orders as the state braces for Hurricane Idalia.

Areas where evacuation zones are in place include:

- Hillsborough County

- Citrus County

- Hernando County

- Sarasota County

- Polk County

- Pinellas County

- Pasco County

- Manatee County

National Hurricane Center gives update on Idalia

11:55 , Rachel Sharp

“Here are the Key Messages for Hurricane Idalia for the Tuesday am advisory. #Idalia is expected to intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall along the west coast or Big Bend region of Florida. More: http://hurricanes.gov,” the agency tweeted.

WATCH: Florida braces for Idalia to make landfall

11:20 , Rachel Sharp

Map of Hillsborough County evacuation zones

11:00 , Rachel Sharp

Idalia has now strengthened to hurricane

10:17 , Rachel Sharp

Tropical Storm Idalia has now strengthened into a hurricane off the coast of Cuba as it continues to chart a path towards Florida, where hundreds of residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes.

The National Hurricane Center announced at around 5am ET on Tuesday that Idalia is now a hurricane and is expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane before making landfall on Wednesday.

After charting a path over the Gulf of Mexico, the storm is expected to curve northeast toward the west coast of Florida.

Florida officials warn of gas contamination as Idalia approaches

09:45 , Stuti Mishra

Florida officials are warning drivers of potential fuel contamination at dozens of gas stations on the Gulf Coast as residents fill their tanks bracing for the landfall of Tropical Storm Idalia.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said late on Sunday that gasoline purchased after 10am Saturday at some Citgo-supplied stations had a strong likelihood of being contaminated with diesel fuel. Citgo identified 29 affected stations — sold at chains like 7-Eleven, BJ’s Wholesale and other convenience stores — in cities including Tampa, Fort Myers, Sarasota and more.

The contamination was caused by “human error,” the department said.

Read more:

Florida officials warn of gas contamination as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches

Floodwaters swamp fishing villages, thousands evacuate as Idalia battered Cuba

09:00 , The Associated Press

Cubans rushed to evacuate coastal towns, batten down homes and tie down fishing boats as Idalia lingered for hours on Monday near the western end of the Caribbean island nation.

By mid-afternoon, chocolate brown floodwaters had swamped the small fishing village of Guan, one hour's drive south of Havana.

Decades-old buses missing floorboards and windows carried women and children to higher ground as winds howled, rattling tin roofs and slamming fishing boats tucked in the mangroves.

"We've had two days of rain already," said Yadira Alvarez, 34, as she readied for evacuation with her five children. "We try to prepare, but no matter what we do everything will be soaked."

Stormwater had already swelled to near knee height inside her home, she said.

Farther to the west, more intense winds closer to the storm centre pounded the tobacco-rich province of Pinar del Rio, home to the raw material for some of the world's finest Cuban cigars.

Authorities had evacuated tens of thousands of people from that province as well as neighbouring Artemisa, while squalls of heavy rain doused the Cuban capital of Havana.

Idalia 'could become a hurricane at any time', NHC says

08:30 , Stuti Mishra

Tropical Storm Idalia is strengthening now as it is in the process of forming an eye and "could become a hurricane at any time", the National Hurricane Center said in its update.

The storm is passing through western Cuba and was last spotted 190miles (315km) from Dry Tortugas. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 70mph (110kmh).

From here on, the storm is forecast to go through a rapid intensification as it become a "major" category 3 hurricane before making landfall in Florida on Wednesday.

Radar imagery shows Idalia forming eye

08:00 , Stuti Mishra

Idalia may soon go through a phase of "quick intensification", according to experts, as the radar imagery of the tropical storm shows it forming an inner core structure – more commonly known as an eye.

"Radar imagery over the past 2 hours shows the first signs of #Idalia forming an inner core structure, with banding wrapping around a greater fraction of the centre (red dot)," meteorologist Dr Levi Cowan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A storm forms an eye as it intensifies in warm waters. So far Idalia has struggled to form this inner core, but as it happens, the storm will go through a robust and rapid intensification.

"If this structure persists overnight, a phase of quick intensification may be about to begin," Dr Cowan wrote.

Tropical Storm Idalia inches closer to Florida

07:30 , Stuti Mishra

Idalia’s is inching closer to Florida, with its distance from Dry Tortugas reduced to just 190miles or 315 kilometres, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

The storm, which is set to become a major hurricane before it makes landfall, is packing maximum sustained winds of 70mph or 110kmh.

Satellite video shows Idalia and Franklin swirling in Atlantic

07:10 , Stuti Mishra

Two storms, Idalia and Franklin, swirling in the Atlantic Ocean were captured in satellite imagery, posted by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA).

“Incredible view of sunlight fading on Hurricane Franklin and Tropical Storm Idalia,” CIRA wrote on X, previously known as Twitter.

Tropical Storm Franklin strengthens into first major hurricane of 2023 Atlantic season

06:50 , Stuti Mishra

Both Hurricane Franklin and Tropical Storm Idalia are intensifying as the Atlantic hurricane season is beginning.

Idalia was off the coast of Cuba on Monday, potentially on a path to strike the southern US as a major hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Franklin has been gaining in power and grew into the first major hurricane of the Atlantic season, increasing in strength overnight.

Here’s everything you need to know about Tropical Storm Franklin and its path:

Tropical Storm Franklin strengthens into a hurricane

Florida Gators change travel plans with Idalia approaching

06:27 , Stuti Mishra

College football team Florida Gators are changing their travel plans for the season opener at No. 14 Utah on Thursday night, hoping to avoid Tropical Storm Idalia.

A team spokesman said on Monday that the Gators will fly to Dallas on Tuesday, practise and spend the night there, and then travel to Salt Lake City on Wednesday. Coach Billy Napier's team had initially planned to fly from Gainesville to Utah on Wednesday.

Read more:

Florida football team alters its travel plans with Tropical Storm Idalia approaching the state

Thousands evacuated in Cuba as Idalia hits

06:00 , Stuti Mishra

Idalia has now passed Cuba and brought with it heavy rain, especially in the westernmost part of the island, with around 8,000 people evacuated, according to state-run TV.

The tobacco-producing province of Pinar del Rio, which is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian almost a year ago, was worst affected.

Authorities in the province issued a state of alert as residents were moved to friends' and relatives' homes as the Cuyaguateje river was monitored for possible flooding.

As much as 10cm (4 inches) of rain fell in Cuba on Sunday, meteorological stations reported yesterday. Figures for Monday are yet to be released.

'You should be wrapping up your preparation tonight': Florida gears up for Idalia amid widespread state of emergency

05:40 , Stuti Mishra

Florida residents loaded up on sandbags and evacuated from homes in low-lying areas along the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Idalia intensified on Monday and forecasters predicted it would hit in days as a major hurricane with potentially life-threatening storm surges.

"You should be wrapping up your preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia tonight and Tues morning at the latest," the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay said on Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 46 counties, a broad swath that stretches across the northern half of the state from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast.

The state has mobilised 1,100 National Guard members, who have 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircraft at their disposal for rescue and recovery efforts.

Mr DeSantis said the Florida Department of Transportation would waive tolls on highways in the Tampa area and the Big Bend starting at 4am on Tuesday to help ease any burden on people in the path of the storm.

Idalia just 370km away from Florida now

05:20 , Stuti Mishra

Tropical storm Idalia is now just 230 miles (370km) southwest of the Dry Tortugas National Park of Florida, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

Idalia is forecast to become a category 3 hurricane before it reaches the Florida coast.

The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 70mph or 110km/h currently, with forecasts that these windspeeds could rise to over 111mph as the storm intensifies.

Idalia is expected to start affecting Florida with hurricane-force winds as soon as late Tuesday and arrive on the coast by Wednesday.

It is the first storm to hit Florida this hurricane season and a potentially big blow to the state, which is also dealing with lingering damage from last year's Hurricane Ian.

What is storm surge, and how much will Storm Idalia bring?

04:59 , Graig Graziosi

The NWS has warned that Idalia may cause “life threatening” storm surges to western Florida.

Storm surge is caused by strong winds from weather systems like tropical storms and hurricanes pushing ocean water inland. Not only can the surge waters flood coastal areas, they can also overflow coastal rivers and wetlands, causing massive flooding in the surrounding regions.

Forecasters believe that Idalia may bring up to 11 feet of storm surge to areas of the western Florida coast.

Storm surges can be exceptionally deadly and disruptive, completely inundating roadways and leaving residents who don’t evacuate trapped on the roofs of their homes, assuming it doesn’t uproot the house completely.

White House says FEMA has briefed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on emergency preparations

04:00 , Graig Graziosi

The White House revealed details of a call between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the federal government today as state and federal officials prepare for Storm Idalia to make landfall on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told Mr DeSantis that its National Response Coordinaton Centre has been “fully activated” to provide support and assistance.

Two Incident Management Teams have been deployed to Tallahassee, and Urban Search and Rescue teams have been activated and will be ready as of this evening to respond to emergencies, according to the memo.

FEMA said that it has a staging team at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama and a warehouse in Atlanta stocked with emergency supplies for distribution in Florida following the storm.

Manatee County officials say they’re preparing for a ‘direct hit’ from Storm Idalia

03:00 , Graig Graziosi

Manatee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kevin Van Ostenbridge told residents that officials were preparing for a “direct hit” by Storm Idalia when it makes landfall as a likely Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday.

Mr Van Ostenbridge expleind that should the hurricane continue on its current course, it would make landfall north of Manatee County, but noted that if it were to take a right turn — which it may — it would be on a direct path to the county.

He said officials were preparing for it to hit the county directly just in case it takes a turn.

Florida officials warn of gas contamination as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches

02:00 , Graig Graziosi

Florida officials are warning drivers of potential fuel contamination at dozens of gas stations on the Gulf Coast as residents brace for the landfall later this week of Tropical Storm Idalia.

On Monday, Idalia was near the coast of Cuba and on a potential track to come ashore as a hurricane in the southern U.S. in the coming days, the National Hurricane Center said.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said late Sunday that gasoline purchased after 10 a.m. Saturday at some Citgo-supplied stations had a strong likelihood of being contaminated with diesel fuel. Citgo identified 29 affected stations — sold at chains like 7-Eleven, BJ’s Wholesale and other convenience stores — in cities including Tampa, Fort Myers, Sarasota and more.

READ MORE:

Florida officials warn of gas contamination as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches

Tampa International Airport announces closure ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia

01:00 , Graig Graziosi

The Tampa International Airport has announced it will close on Tuesday and presumably remain closed through Wednesday, when Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane.

The airport will close tomorrow at 12:01am EST, officials said in a news release published on Monday.

The airport intends to remain closed until it can asses any damage caused by the hurricane, but officials anticipate reopening on Thursday, according to the press statement.

Closing the airport allows staff to prepare the grounds and facility for the storm’s arrival.

Officials also noted that the airport is not a shelter.

Ron DeSantis holds briefing as Tropical Storm Idalia threatens Florida

Tuesday 29 August 2023 00:00 , Graig Graziosi

Watch live as Ron DeSantis holds a news briefing on Monday, 28 August, as Tropical Storm Idalia develops in the Gulf of Mexico, potentially threatening Florida.

The storm is expected to hit the state by Tuesday or Wednesday morning after intensifying into a category 3 hurricane, the National Hurrican Center (NHC) said.

There are fears that the storm could bring “life-threatening” surges and flooding.

As of Monday, Idalia packed maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kmh).

The Florida governor has asked residents to “have a plan and a stocked supply kit” as a state of emergency was declared for half of the state’s counties.

READ MORE:

Watch: Ron DeSantis holds briefing as Tropical Storm Idalia threatens Florida

Hurricane expert believes Tropical Storm Idalia could whip into storm with more than 100mph winds

Monday 28 August 2023 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

Dr Levi Cowan, a senior scientist at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, said Monday that he believes Tropical Storm Idalia could eventually produce more than 100mph winds when it reaches its full strength.

He noted in a post on X/Twitter that the storm still hadn’t quite found its core, but estimated that its primary growth period would occur once it reahces the Gulf of Mexico near Florida, meaning it still have plenty of time to ramp up in strength.

Florida issues state of emergency for half its counties

Monday 28 August 2023 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

A state of emergency was issued for half of Florida counties on Saturday ahead of a potential hurricane that is on track to hit the state.

“I’ve signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties in preparation...,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Read more:

Florida issues state of emergency as Tropical Storm Idalia heads for state

Pinellas County orders mandatory evacuation for numerous residents

Monday 28 August 2023 21:41 , Graig Graziosi

Pinellas County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Zone A, a region of the county that includes the regions northwest of St Peterburg, Florida.

The evacuation order if effective as of Monday night at 7pm.

The order to evacuate includes mandatory evacuation for all mobile home owners in the affected area.

The county said that a shelter would open Monday at 7pm at John Hopkins Middle School, and that special needs transportation would begin on Tuesday morning at 7am.

Satellite image shows Hurricane Franklin and Tropical Storm Idalia churning off the coasts of Florida

Monday 28 August 2023 21:21 , Graig Graziosi

Satellite imagery captured both Hurricane Franklin and Tropical Storm Idalia churning off the eastern and western coasts of Florida, respectively.

While Hurricane Franklin is not expected to hit Florida, Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to make landfall on the state’s western coast on Wednesday, likely as a Category 3 hurricane.

Watch below:

Florida officials ask residents to report price gouging ahead of Storm Idalia’s landfall

Monday 28 August 2023 21:01 , Graig Graziosi

Florida officials have asked resident to report price gouging to the state’s hotline in the days before Storm Idalia is expected to reach the state’s western coast as a Category 3 hurricane.

The state’s attorney general, Ashley Moody, said that the state’s price gouging laws went into effect when Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 46 counties on Monday.

“If you see, whether its gas, or water, or lumber at an egregious price that you would not see on average, please let us know,” she said.

Ms Moody noted that Florida has seen a population surge in recent years and reminded residents that there are likely to be many newcomers experiencing and preparing for a major hurricane for the first time, and requested that residents help their neighbours.

What is storm surge, and how much will Storm Idalia bring?

Monday 28 August 2023 20:41 , Graig Graziosi

The NWS has warned that Idalia may cause “life threatening” storm surges to western Florida.

Storm surge is caused by strong winds from weather systems like tropical storms and hurricanes pushing ocean water inland. Not only can the surge waters flood coastal areas, they can also overflow coastal rivers and wetlands, causing massive flooding in the surrounding regions.

Forecasters believe that Idalia may bring up to 11 feet of storm surge to areas of the western Florida coast.

Storm surges can be exceptionally deadly and disruptive, completely inundating roadways and leaving residents who don’t evacuate trapped on the roofs of their homes, assuming it doesn’t uproot the house completely.

White House says FEMA has briefed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on emergency preparations

Monday 28 August 2023 20:21 , Graig Graziosi

The White House revealed details of a call between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the federal government today as state and federal officials prepare for Storm Idalia to make landfall on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told Mr DeSantis that its National Response Coordinaton Centre has been “fully activated” to provide support and assistance.

Two Incident Management Teams have been deployed to Tallahassee, and Urban Search and Rescue teams have been activated and will be ready as of this evening to respond to emergencies, according to the memo.

FEMA said that it has a staging team at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama and a warehouse in Atlanta stocked with emergency supplies for distribution in Florida following the storm.

Manatee County officials say they’re preparing for a ‘direct hit’ from Storm Idalia

Monday 28 August 2023 20:04 , Graig Graziosi

Manatee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kevin Van Ostenbridge told residents that officials were preparing for a “direct hit” by Storm Idalia when it makes landfall as a likely Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday.

Mr Van Ostenbridge expleind that should the hurricane continue on its current course, it would make landfall north of Manatee County, but noted that if it were to take a right turn — which it may — it would be on a direct path to the county.

He said officials were preparing for it to hit the county directly just in case it takes a turn.

Storm Idalia’s winds increase to 70mph — nearly a Category 1 hurricane — as it nears western tip of Cuba

Monday 28 August 2023 19:45 , Graig Graziosi

The National Hurriance Centre is reporting that tropical storm Idalia’s wind speeds have increased to 70mph.

The storm is making its way past Cuba, after which it will enter the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to gain strength before making landfall in western Florida on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane.

A Tropical Storm typically becomes a Category 1 hurricane when its wind speeds reach between 74 and 95mph.

The storm is currently moving approximately 8mph .

Tropical Storm Franklin strengthens into first major hurricane of 2023 Atlantic season

Monday 28 August 2023 19:29 , Graig Graziosi

Tropical Storm Franklin has strengthened into a hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) on Saturday.

As of 11am Eastern time, Hurricane Franklin was about 315 miles east-northeast of Grand Turk Island, the capital island of the Turks and Caicos, and 620 miles south of Bermuda, forecasters said.

The hurricane’s winds had increased up to 75 mph, and NHC said that is had the potential to become a major hurricane by early next week - marking the first of the 2023 Atlantic season.

READ MORE:

Tropical Storm Franklin strengthens into a hurricane

MacDill Air Force base in Tampa has issued mandatory evacuation

Monday 28 August 2023 19:15 , Graig Graziosi

The MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa has issued a mandatory evacuation for all non-critical staff.

“A mandatory base-wide evacuation order has been issued to be completed by 10:00am Tues. Aug. 29 for non-mission essential individuals and dependents and for those who reside in Evac Zone A in the following counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco and Hernando.”

Florida officials warn of gas contamination as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches

Monday 28 August 2023 18:55 , Graig Graziosi

Florida officials are warning drivers of potential fuel contamination at dozens of gas stations on the Gulf Coast as residents brace for the landfall later this week of Tropical Storm Idalia.

On Monday, Idalia was near the coast of Cuba and on a potential track to come ashore as a hurricane in the southern U.S. in the coming days, the National Hurricane Center said.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said late Sunday that gasoline purchased after 10 a.m. Saturday at some Citgo-supplied stations had a strong likelihood of being contaminated with diesel fuel. Citgo identified 29 affected stations — sold at chains like 7-Eleven, BJ’s Wholesale and other convenience stores — in cities including Tampa, Fort Myers, Sarasota and more.

READ MORE:

Florida officials warn of gas contamination as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches

Georgia governor opens operations center to coordinate during Storm Idalia

Monday 28 August 2023 18:35 , Graig Graziosi

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has opened the State Operations Center to help coordinate response activities in anticipation of Storm Idalia, which is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane. The governor announced in a statement that the center — used by federal, state and local authorities as well as volunteer organisations— will monitor the storm’s progress and oversee response efforts in its wake.

“Thanks to our response partners on both the state and local levels, Georgia will be prepared for whatever Idalia will bring,” Mr Kemp said in the announcement.

He noted that the storm will likely have weakened by the time it enters Georgia, but wanted to be prepared for nonetheless.

US Embassy in Cuba closes as Tropical Storm Idalia nears

Monday 28 August 2023 18:15 , Graig Graziosi

The US Embassy in Cuba has closed its doors and will remain closed through Tuesday while Tropical Storm Idalia travels north toward the west coast of Florida.

“Tropical Storm Idalia is projected to develop into a Hurricane and pass over the western part of Cuba beginning today. This storm is expected to bring significant rainfall and wind that may result in life-threatening flooding, flash flooding, and storm surge,” embassy officials said in a statement. “Countrywide impacts are expected but the western provinces of Cuba are likely to feel more significant effects.”

The embassy announced its closure in a travel alert to Americans in Cuba, and advised them to prepare for possible disruptions to services like water and food availability due to the storm.

“U.S. citizens are advised to avoid beaches and coast lines and take shelter in safe locations away from low-lying areas and monitor weather updates,” the alert said. “It is advised to maintain several days of clean drinking water and food and make contact before, during, and after the storm with family members and loved ones.”

The embassy will close at 3pm on Monday, with officials noting that it may extend the closure if necessary.

Tampa International Airport announces closure ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia

Monday 28 August 2023 17:30 , Graig Graziosi

The Tampa International Airport has announced it will close on Tuesday and presumably remain closed through Wednesday, when Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane.

The airport will close tomorrow at 12:01am EST, officials said in a news release published on Monday.

The airport intends to remain closed until it can asses any damage caused by the hurricane, but officials anticipate reopening on Thursday, according to the press statement.

Closing the airport allows staff to prepare the grounds and facility for the storm’s arrival.

Officials also noted that the airport is not a shelter.

Florida officials begin ordering evacuations, opening shelters

Monday 28 August 2023 17:01 , Graig Graziosi

Communities on Florida’s west coast are being ordered to evacuate as Tropical Storm Idalia barrels north toward the state.

The storm is expected to strengthen as it hits the Gulf of Mexico, and forecasters believe it will make landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane.

Some Tampa-area residents, including individuals living in parts of Manatee and Pasco counties, have been ordered to evacuate.

Officials in Manatee County, which is south of Tampa, said that the regions transit services would continue until wind speeds reached 45mph, after which busses will cease.

North of Tampa in Hernando County, mandatory evacuations will go into effect on Tuesday morning, while voluntary evacuations are ongoing. The county is opening its hurricane shelters today at noon.

A state of emergency has been declared for Pinellas County, to the city’s west as it prepares to open its shelters.

National Weather Service issues ‘life-threatening' storm surge warnings ahead of Storm Idalia

Monday 28 August 2023 16:34 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service has issued storm surge warnings for western Florida in the wake of Storm Idalia, which is expected to make landfall in the Sunshine State on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane.

The NWS said that “life-threatening” storm surges along affected parts of Florida’s Gulf coast were likely. Those regions include the cities of Tampa as well as Big Bend.

Inundation from 7 to 11 feet is expected between the Chassahowitzka and Aucilla Rivers, and urban flash flooding is likely.

Monday 28 August 2023 16:11 , Graig Graziosi

Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for the state of Florida on Monday after speaking with its governor, Ron DeSantis.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it has already deployed personnel and “assets” to Florida ahead of Storm Idalia. “FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center has also been fully activated to support any requests for federal assistance,” the White House said in a statement

Joe Biden and Ron DeSantis, potential 2024 rivals, prepare for hurricane’s arrival in Florida

Monday 28 August 2023 15:10 , Graig Graziosi

Joe Biden and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reportedly spoke this morning to discuss Tropical Storm Idalia and its likely landfall in western Florida.

Mr Biden reportedly told the governor that “Florida will have his full support as they prepare for Idalia and its aftermath,” and said he was committed to providing continual assistance to the city of Jacksonville following a mass shooting there on Saturday.

Mr DeSantis is hoping to challenge Mr Biden in the 2024 presidential election, though the Republican governor is still trailing behind the party’s frontrunner, Donald Trump, by a significant margin.

Ron DeSantis holds briefing as Tropical Storm Idalia threatens Florida

Monday 28 August 2023 15:00 , Graig Graziosi

Watch live as Ron DeSantis holds a news briefing on Monday, 28 August, as Tropical Storm Idalia develops in the Gulf of Mexico, potentially threatening Florida.

The storm is expected to hit the state by Tuesday or Wednesday morning after intensifying into a category 3 hurricane, the National Hurrican Center (NHC) said.

There are fears that the storm could bring “life-threatening” surges and flooding.

As of Monday, Idalia packed maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kmh).

The Florida governor has asked residents to “have a plan and a stocked supply kit” as a state of emergency was declared for half of the state’s counties.READ MORE:

Live: Ron DeSantis holds briefing as Tropical Storm Idalia threatens Florida

Hurricane expert believes Tropical Storm Idalia could whip into storm with more than 100mph winds

Monday 28 August 2023 14:36 , Graig Graziosi

Dr Levi Cowan, a senior scientist at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, said Monday that he believes Tropical Storm Idalia could eventually produce more than 100mph winds when it reaches its full strength.

He noted in a post on X/Twitter that the storm still hadn’t quite found its core, but estimated that its primary growth period would occur once it reahces the Gulf of Mexico near Florida, meaning it still have plenty of time to ramp up in strength.

Florida issues state of emergency for half its counties

Monday 28 August 2023 14:00 , Stuti Mishra

A state of emergency was issued for half of Florida counties on Saturday ahead of a potential hurricane that is on track to hit the state.

“I’ve signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties in preparation...,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Read more:

Florida issues state of emergency as Tropical Storm Idalia heads for state

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