Hurricane Idalia set to become Florida's 'storm of the century': Here's what you need to know
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Idalia will probably become the “storm of the century” to wreck the Florida Big Bend area as it is being predicted that it might strengthen into a Category 3 storm with 150mph winds.
The National Hurricane Center shared, “Idalia is expected to intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall along the west coast or Big Bend region of Florida.”
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: https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/AV2NrctxlN
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 29, 2023
Idalia could become ‘the strongest landfall for the Big Bend region’ in decades
ABC News citing the National Weather Service reported that Idalia is "expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane".
The publication also reported that “if this happens, it will mark the strongest landfall for the Big Bend region since 1950, when Category 3 Hurricane Easy made landfall in Cedar Key.”
However, if Idalia enters the Florida area as a Category 2 storm, it will reportedly become the first one since 1968’s Gladys.
State of emergency issued for 46 counties in Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has put 46 Florida counties under a state of emergency. “Buckle up for this one,” the politician stated.
He announced, “This is going to be a major hurricane,” while temporarily stopping the tolls along Florida’s west coast.
The leader shared, as reported by CNN, “At my direction, tolls will be suspended throughout the impacted area. Anyone who receives an evacuation order needs to make plans to go to a safe area now.”
“You do not need to leave the state— travel tens of miles, not hundreds of miles. By waiving tolls, we are easing the burden on families in the path of this storm,” he added.
Several Florida counties ordered to vacate
As per reports, residents of Hillsborough, Franklin, Pinellas, Taylor, Pasco, Citrus, Levy, Manatee, and Sarasota have been asked to vacate the regions.
WFLA reported that the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners have requested people to leave if they “live in Evacuation Zone A, which includes all low-lying areas west of U.S. Highway 19 and some areas additional areas east of U.S. Highway 19.”
Besides, a statement from Hillsborough County, Florida Government, read, “Zone A is under a mandatory evacuation notice. Those living in mobile and manufactured homes are encouraged to evacuate as well.”
“Evacuation shelters are now open with additional shelters opening at 4 pm,” it added.
Cedar Key island ‘could be completely cut off’ because of Idalia
National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome issued a warning for the people of Cedar Key island.
He reportedly said, “If you’re watching from Cedar Key, it is imperative that you take this very seriously, and if ordered to evacuate, heed those evacuations immediately.”
Rhome added, “The entire island could be completely cut off with conditions like that.”