Hurricane Idalia Makes Landfall in Florida

Category 3 Hurricane Brings Storm Surge and Winds

Hurricane Idalia has made landfall on the Big Bend coast of Florida adjacent to Apalachee Bay on Wednesday, bringing life-threatening storm surge and high winds. The storm intensified into a hurricane late Tuesday night and made landfall as a Category 3, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.

Storm Surge and Flooding

The storm surge, a wall of water pushed ahead of the storm, is expected to reach 10 to 15 feet in the Big Bend area. The surge has already caused significant flooding in coastal communities, inundating homes and businesses. The storm surge is also expected to cause extensive damage to infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

Winds and Damage

The high winds associated with Hurricane Idalia are also causing widespread damage. Trees are being uprooted, power lines are being knocked down, and buildings are being damaged. The storm is also causing beach erosion and coastal flooding.

Evacuations and Safety

Residents in the affected areas have been ordered to evacuate. Anyone who is still in the path of the hurricane is urged to seek shelter immediately. The storm is expected to continue to weaken as it moves inland, but heavy rain and flooding are still possible.