Tropical Storm Idalia likely to hit Florida as hurricane
First Published: 28th August, 2023 20:38 IST
Idalia will cross the Gulf of Mexico and make a landfall as a dangerous major storm near the Big Bend of Florida on Wednesday morning
The tropical storm Idalia is rapidly intensifying as it approaches Florida, and it could become a dangerous Category 3 hurricane as it strikes the coast with torrential rains, powerful gusts, and damaging storm surge.
Despite anticipates that the storm might not reach Mexican landfall, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Idalia will cross the Gulf of Mexico and make a landfall as a dangerous major storm near the Big Bend of Florida on Wednesday morning, where ocean levels could top 10 feet above the normal tide.
Idalia, according to NHC, would increase the “threat of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds along certain sections of Florida’s west coast and the Florida Panhandle, potentially as early as Tuesday.”
The intensity forecasts are quite variable, ranging from a moderate hurricane to a major hurricane before the storm arrives on the northeast Gulf coast, said the NHC.
The storm is roughly 125 miles off the western point of Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, according to an advisory from the hurricane center.
Idalia unleashed rain in Mexico’s Quintana Roo state, where famous coastal destinations like Cancun are located, throwing a dampening effect on one of the last weekends of summer holidays.
Hurricane Hilary, which briefly ascended to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, slammed Mexico’s Baja California state on the Pacific coast just a week ago, dropping to a tropical storm. The incident resulted in one death and significant infrastructure damage.
Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to bring heavy rain from 3 to 6 inches, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches, across areas of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Georgia from Tuesday into Wednesday.
Heavy rain could also cause flash floods in parts of the Carolinas on Wednesday and Thursday. Western Cuba may also receive 3 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated amounts reaching 10 inches.
According to the hurricane center, a hurricane watch has been issued throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast from Englewood to India Pass, including Tampa Bay.
“Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” the hurricane center said.
A tropical storm warning has also been issued for the Dry Tortugas in Florida, as well as a tropical storm watch for the Lower Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge.
Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 33 counties in preparation for the storm’s arrival.
“If you are in the path of this storm, you should expect power outages, so please prepare for that,” DeSantis said.
According to DeSantis, 1,100 National Guardsmen have been mobilized with high-water vehicles and helicopters for rescue and recovery operations. The Florida Highway Patrol has 300 troopers on standby as well. According to the governor, power firms will also begin staging workers on Monday.
Also Read: Impressive: Musk reacts on list of Indian-Origin CEOs
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Assam Rifles organises ex-servicemen rally in West Bengal
18th May 2024Live Meghalaya govt in talks with BCCI for setting up cricket stadium of international standards in Ri Bhoi
18th May 2024Live Crackdown on infiltrators: 4 Bangladeshi nationals, Indian tout arrested in Tripura
18th May 2024Live Fire in Silchar computer institute, girl jumps from 4th floor
18th May 2024WE RECOMMEND
Indian students in Kyrgyzstan advised to “stay indoors” amid mob violence
The Indian embassy also shared a helpline contact number for the students.
18th May 2024Advisory for Indians travelling to Laos, Cambodia for jobs
The advisory outlines significant risks associated with fraudulent job offers and emphasizes the need for caution.
17th May 2024Kim Jong Un’s sister says N Korea’s weapons not for exports after US sanctions Russian firms
Kim Yo-jong's statement comes amid US claims that North Korea has supplied weapons to Russia to support the latter's war in Ukraine.
17th May 2024‘Let’s get ready to Rumble’: Trump, Biden set to debate in June, September
The first debate by CNN will be held on June 27, while the second debate will be held on September 10 by ABC News.
16th May 2024France declares state of emergency in New Caledonia as violent protests rage
The state of emergency came into effect at 8 pm (Paris time) on Wednesday and 5 am in Noumea, the island's capital.
16th May 2024