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Hurricane Idalia latest: Devastating storm leaves two dead as it travels through southeast
Rachel Schilke
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Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida‘s Big Bend region on Wednesday morning, with the storm triggering a series of intense floods and winds that are expected to affect 46 counties across the Sunshine State.
Storm surge warnings are in effect for Englewood north to Indian Pass in Florida, including Tampa Bay. Hurricane warnings are in effect for Tampa Bay and the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, as well.
IDALIA PATH TRACKER WATCH LIVE: WHERE IS THE HURRICANE AND WHERE WILL IT MAKE LANDFALL
Two people have died so far as a result of the hurricane. The Florida Highway Patrol said a 40-year-old man died in a weather-related incident in Pasco County, Florida, on Wednesday. The driver, who has not been identified, was in a Ford Ranger traveling east on Saint Joe Road in “inclement weather” and driving “too fast for conditions,” around 6:15 a.m., according to a press release from Sgt. Steve Gaskins.
The driver lost control of the vehicle, veering off the roadway and colliding with a tree. The individual suffered “fatal injuries” at the scene, the release said.
Another unidentified man, aged 59, died in Alachua County. He was traveling in a Toyota Tacoma westbound on SR 20 in “extremely rainy conditions.” The driver left his lane of travel and veered into a ditch on the north side of SR 20. The vehicle continued through the ditch until it crashed into a nearby tree line. The driver was declared dead at the scene by Alachua County Fire Rescue.
These areas are likely to be affected by “life-threatening inundation” from rising water coming in from the coastline. Videos show a heavy storm surge in Cedar Key, Florida, destroying trees, wildlife, and homes.
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A video in the eye of Idalia shows power lines exploding or flashing on the roads as cars drive through the heavy rain. Over 230,000 people are without power in Florida as of 9:04 a.m., according to PowerOutage.us.
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In Tampa Bay, water is reportedly rising quickly and entering homes along Bayshore Boulevard.
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In Keaton Beach, where the eye of Idalia made landfall, a video captured extremely high winds. The hurricane arrived in Florida with maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour.
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Steinhatchee, a Gulf Coast community, is experiencing significant flooding, with a video showing water levels rising almost to cover buildings.
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Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday morning in with winds of 125 miles per hour. As of 11:26 a.m., the National Hurricane Center said winds have dwindled down to nearly 90 miles per hour, which falls in the range of a Category 1 hurricane.
Following Idalia’s landfall in Florida, the center of the hurricane has made landfall in Georgia. It is also expected to cross into the Carolinas on Wednesday and Thursday, and it is projected to continue decreasing in strength as it travels north. Georgia and South Carolina have issued storm surge or hurricane warnings for various coastal areas.
Evacuation orders have been recommended in 23 counties. Experts have also warned storm surges as high as 11 feet are possible for much of northwestern Florida and into the Panhandle.
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Storm surges account for nearly half of all hurricane-related fatalities, according to the NOAA, and are the reason behind the majority of storm evacuations.
As soon as the initial storm passes over the coastal areas, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said search-and-rescue efforts would begin. In addition to taking cover in a safe place, the Florida governor reminded residents not to go outside during the storm and not to drive on flooded streets.