"Monster Storm Idalia Set to Strike Florida: Evacuations Ordered as Category 3 Looms"
Tropical Storm Idalia is projected to escalate into a hurricane on Monday and has the potential to bring significant winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding to Florida's Gulf Coast. This powerful Category 3 storm is expected to make landfall later this week, resulting in evacuations and the closure of schools in various parts of the state.
As of Monday night, Idalia was on the cusp of becoming a hurricane and was edging closer to the United States. The National Hurricane Center expressed concern over the likelihood of a life-threatening storm surge affecting parts of Florida. At this point, the storm possessed winds of 70 mph and was situated approximately 20 miles southwest of the western tip of Cuba. On Monday night, state-run TV reported that over 8,000 individuals had been evacuated from the coastal areas of western Cuba in anticipation of the storm.
Forecasters predict that Idalia will continue to gain strength until it reaches Florida, ultimately evolving into a "major hurricane" by late Tuesday, according to the center's advisory.
Tropical storm Idalia's ominous clouds loom over Havana on August 28, 2023. Idalia's rapid intensification is expected due to the exceptionally warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Here's an explanation of what that entails: Idalia will likely make landfall on Wednesday along Florida's Big Bend, a naturally vulnerable region along the coast spanning from Tampa to just south of Tallahassee. Projections indicate a storm surge of up to 12 feet in this area.
Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for a minimum of 10 counties, which includes Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located. Some coastal regions in this county have been subjected to mandatory evacuation. In response to the impending storm, more than 5,000 National Guard members have been activated to provide assistance.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the anticipated substantial impact during a news conference on Monday, stating, "This is going to have a significant effect."
In Jacksonville, Mayor Donna Deegan declared a local state of emergency, citing the opening of several shelters to accommodate individuals who may require evacuation.