According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Idalia has made landfall in Big Bend, Florida, and is warning of “damaging storm surge and damaging winds underway”
Strong winds at 125 mph (201 km) are sweeping Florida as Hurricane Idalia makes landfall while some parts of the state have already been flooded, with the waters covering roads and cities.
According to the latest reports, the situation is extremely difficult in the city of Hudson, Pascoe County, which has been flooded and a good number of residents are trapped inside their homes. The area had been evacuated, however some decided to remain in their properties and are now at risk from the water level, which has risen to extremely dangerous levels.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Idalia has made landfall in Big Bend, Florida and is warning of “destructive storm and damaging winds underway.”
BREAKING: Hearing that Florida has activated 5,500 National Guard members in response to the imminent landfall of Hurricane #Idalia. #HurricaneIdalia #HurricaneIdalia2023 #StormSurge pic.twitter.com/LYHEqyzeAo
— The Financial Magpie (@FinancialMagpie) August 30, 2023
According to the National Weather Service, the Idalia arrived in the town of Keaton Beach, in the Big Bend region of Florida, at approximately 07:45 local time (1245 BST). The agency warned that Idalia, now downgraded to a Category 2 storm – hit with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (201 km/h).
Huracán Idalia en Cedar Key, Florida, United States.pic.twitter.com/e2LKGsNchV
— Anonimo.sv (@AnonimoSV503) August 30, 2023
According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Idalia has maximum sustained winds of 110 mph with higher gusts, making it a Category 2 hurricane. Earlier, the hurricane was rated as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of up to 200 km per hour.
More than 232,000 people are without power in Florida, according to PowerOutage.US. The website, which tracks power outages across the country, shows that most power outages are concentrated in Florida’s Big Bend region.
Almost 4,500 people are staying in Red Cross shelters in the areas affected by the typhoon. At a shelter in Largo, Florida, just north of St. Petersburg, 442 people have taken refuge, according to online data from the Red Cross.
The Red Cross currently operates more than 100 shelters in storm areas.
Florida Governor Ron DeSandis says that storm surges of 4.8 meters are expected in some areas as strong winds push seawater inland.
The storm surge from Hurricane Idalia is causing massive damage in Cedar Key, Florida.
pic.twitter.com/E5Zru7IdR1— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) August 30, 2023
The hurricane is expected to cause the most damage in Florida’s Big Bend, which is relatively sparsely populated compared to the rest of Florida. According to local media reports, the area’s counties account for just 3% of the state’s population.
In the meantime, the access to Treasure Island in Pinellas County, Florida;as the storm continues to bear down on the city in Pinellas County, officials said on Twitter.
Treasure Island Causeway Bridge closed. You can see the causeway is flooded going into Treasure Island. #Idalia pic.twitter.com/VUYFJ9aVWy
— Treasure Island, FL (@TresIslandFL) August 30, 2023
“No re-entry until further notice even if you have ID or re-entry permits”they said, adding that flooding is expected to continue throughout the day.
The bridges are closed and residents are urged to seek shelter and not wade through potentially dangerous waters “live power lines, sewage, wildlife and dangerous objects”.
Flooding on Gulf BLvd in Treasure Island #Idalia #Florida #FLwx #HurricaneIdalia #storm #HurricaneSeason #Cat3 #Cat4 #Hurricane #hurricane #viralvideo #Esther Gravenberch Clearwater Blue Moon Weather Channel pic.twitter.com/YffEVrbgOH
— Noble (@noblemi6) August 30, 2023
28 of Florida’s 67 counties have been ordered to evacuatemostly along the state’s upper Gulf Coast.
More footage of Hurricane Idalia’s (CAT 4) Storm Surge in Tampa Bay 🌊
Credits – PATTRN#Hurricane #Idalia #HurricaneIdalia #Weather #Forecast #Florida #FLO #Tampa #Carolina #Desantis #Georgia #SouthCarolina pic.twitter.com/mEgNaYKsL5
— TRUTHPOLE (@Truthpole) August 30, 2023
Hurricane and thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for the neighboring states of Georgia and South Carolina. All three have declared a state of emergency.
Source :Skai
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