‘You got to go now,’ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told residents in the storm’s path
Hurricane Idalia poses a serious threat to Florida, currently classified as a devastating Category 4 storm with sustained winds of more than 130 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest report Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee called Idalia an “unprecedented” storm. It intensified over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region, a key area where the peninsula meets the Panhandle. The region includes Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, and Levy counties and is experiencing catastrophic storm surges, destructive winds, and historic freshwater flooding.
As Hurricane Idalia approaches Florida, Gov. DeSantis expands the state of emergency
Several Florida cities, including Cedar Key, Chiefland, Newberry, Cross City, Apalachicola, Perry, and Gainesville, which are directly in the path of this devastating storm, have canceled classes, home to the University of Florida. The storm is expected to affect areas further south, including Crystal River and Tampa.
The storm is currently moving in an east-northeast direction and is expected to continue on this trajectory as it progresses toward Jacksonville, Florida, and subsequently Georgia.
There are no historical records of major hurricanes making landfall in the Big Bend region since 1851 that tracked across Apalachee Bay.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a stern warning to residents in the storm’s path, urging them to evacuate immediately. “You must evacuate now. If you choose to stay the situation will deteriorate significantly by tomorrow morning,” he stressed the urgency.
Interestingly, this major storm in Florida coincides with a rare celestial event, a blue moon, on Wednesday, August 30. This full moon leads to higher high tides than usual.
On Tuesday evening, the National Hurricane Center issued a dire warning about the potential for storm damage and loss of life. Florida’s Big Bend, located near the hurricane’s landfall point, will soon experience catastrophic storms and destructive winds as the hurricane’s core approaches. The Big Bend region of Florida has a high risk of deadly winds. As Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall, hurricane conditions are expected elsewhere in the hurricane warning area along the Florida Gulf Coast.”
Overnight, #Idalia strengthened and now has sustained hurricane-force winds.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 29, 2023
It is still expected to make landfall at Florida’s Big Bend as a major hurricane tomorrow. If you are in the path of this storm, now is the time to finalize your preparations. Continue to follow @FLSERT… pic.twitter.com/3yCSHtIJIK
It added: “Residents should follow local authorities’ advisory & evacuation orders in these areas.”
The governor announced that ride-share service Uber will provide residents with free transportation to storm service centers.
The most recent major hurricane to impact Florida was Hurricane Ian in 2022. This powerful storm became a Category 4 hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Ian left a devastating mark on the state, becoming the costliest hurricane in Florida history and the third costliest hurricane in United States history. The impact was severe, directly and indirectly leading to 150 deaths and staggering economic losses, totaling over $112 billion in losses.