Tropical Storm Idalia has prompted a state of emergency in over 30 counties in Florida, as it is anticipated to intensify into a Category 2 hurricane and hit the coast on Wednesday. Forecasters have raised concerns about potential storm surges, landslides, and widespread power outages.
Predictions indicate that Idalia will likely transform into a hurricane while in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, subsequently curving northeast towards Florida’s west coast. If these projections hold true, the storm could make landfall with winds reaching speeds of up to 100 mph. A significant threat lies in the potential for ocean water to surge as high as 11 feet onshore, raising alarm for severe flooding. In preparation for the storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for most of the state’s Gulf coast. This preemptive measure aims to ensure the mobilization of resources and offer residents ample time to prepare.
The hurricane center has assigned a 70 percent likelihood of the system becoming a tropical storm by Monday, with a 90 percent overall probability. The storm is currently referred to as ‘Idalia.’ It’s worth noting that the storm models do not predict a direct path towards the areas hit by Hurricane Ian last year. The governor encourages residents to have a plan in place and ensure their hurricane supply kits are well-stocked. The Division of Emergency Management urges people to maintain at least half a tank of gas in their vehicles in case of evacuation.
Florida has activated 1,100 National Guard members and provided them with 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircraft for rescue efforts. Governor DeSantis predicts power outages for areas in the storm’s path and advises citizens to prepare for potential disruptions. The storm’s forecast shows it curving northeastward towards Florida, making landfall north of Tampa near the Big Bend region, traversing diagonally across the state, and then re-emerging over the Atlantic Ocean near southeast Georgia.
This year, the U.S. East Coast has been relatively unscathed by cyclones; however, Tropical Storm Hilary brought flooding, mudslides, and road closures to the western states earlier this month. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently revised its forecast for the 2023 hurricane season, predicting a higher level of activity due to exceptionally warm ocean temperatures. The hurricane season extends until November 30, with August and September typically experiencing the most activity.