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Hurricane Idalia Ravages Florida with Landfall as a Severe Category 3 Storm

by Joshua Brown
10 comments
Hurricane Idalia

Hurricane Idalia struck Florida’s western coastline as a devastating Category 3 hurricane last Wednesday, inflicting unprecedented storm surges and torrential rainfall on regions unaccustomed to such extreme weather conditions.

Over 230,000 households found themselves without power as ferocious winds snapped trees, downing electrical lines and causing floodwaters to inundate roadways. Coastal areas saw residences nearly submerged up to their roofs, and infrastructure gave way under the storm’s force. As the eye of the hurricane moved further inland, gale-force winds tore apart signage and propelled sheet metal through the air.

Emergency services in Cedar Key cautioned residents to stay away, reporting multiple fallen trees and road debris. A tide gauge in the area recorded a storm surge of 6.8 feet (about 2 meters), overwhelming the majority of the downtown region. “Propane tanks are exploding throughout the island,” the fire and rescue department added.

Making landfall near Keaton Beach at 7:45 a.m., Idalia boasted maximum sustained winds close to 125 mph (approximately 205 kph). More than an hour later, the storm was downgraded to a Category 2, but still maintained winds up to 110 mph (around 175 kph). Forecasters predicted the hurricane would continue its path across Florida and Georgia before weakening into a tropical storm over the Carolinas.

Cities like Tampa experienced flooded streets while the power grid failed in the state capital of Tallahassee well before the storm’s core made its presence felt. Mayor John Dailey implored residents to stay indoors, stating it was too hazardous to venture out. Evacuation orders had been previously issued for Florida inhabitants residing in vulnerable coastal regions as Idalia strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico.

Governor Ron DeSantis issued stern warnings during a Wednesday morning press conference: “This is a powerful storm. Stay inside and remain vigilant until it passes.”

Experts warned that the storm surge could reach a height of 16 feet (approximately 4.9 meters) in certain areas. The city of Clearwater urged those who had defied mandatory evacuation orders to minimize water and toilet usage as flooding strained municipal lift stations and stormwater systems.

Wakulla County resident Diane Flowers was awoken by a text message from her firefighter/EMT son, advising immediate evacuation when the hurricane was escalated to a Category 4. Unable to find accommodations in Florida, they were forced to drive to Alabama.

Officials have dubbed Hurricane Idalia as an “unprecedented event,” as no major hurricanes have historically traversed the bay adjacent to the Big Bend region. The state is still grappling with the aftermath of last year’s Hurricane Ian, raising concerns about catastrophic outcomes.

However, some chose to disregard official warnings. Andy Bair, the proprietor of Cedar Key’s Island Hotel, resolved to stay and oversee his establishment, which has weathered past storms without flooding.

Hurricane Idalia escalated from a Category 2 to a Category 3 system on Tuesday afternoon before peaking as a Category 4 and then slightly receding to a high-end Category 3.

According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricanes are classified on a five-category scale, with Category 5 being the most severe. Category 4 hurricanes are described as causing “catastrophic damage.”

Efforts to mitigate the storm’s impact included waiving tolls, opening shelters, and mobilizing over 30,000 utility workers to expedite post-storm repairs. Additionally, about 5,500 National Guard troops were activated for emergency response.

In anticipation of a 7-foot (approximately 2.1-meter) storm surge, 60 patients were evacuated from a hospital in Tarpon Springs, located northwest of Tampa.

Emergency declarations were also issued in Georgia and South Carolina, mobilizing state resources and National Guard troops for immediate response.

President Joe Biden confirmed that he had spoken to Governor DeSantis and provided necessary federal assistance.

Last year’s Category 5 Hurricane Ian resulted in nearly 150 fatalities and caused extensive damage to over 52,000 structures.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had revised their projections for the 2023 hurricane season, expecting increased activity due to unusually warm ocean temperatures. The season is set to continue until November 30, with peak activity generally occurring in August and September.


Contributions to this report were made by journalists Brendan Farrington in Tallahassee, Florida; Mike Schneider in St. Louis, Missouri; Marcia Dunn in Cape Canaveral, Florida; Curt Anderson in Orlando, Florida; Chris O’Meara in Clearwater, Florida; Cristiana Mesquita in Havana; Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia; Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina; Seth Borenstein in Washington; Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; Tara Copp in Washington; and Julie Walker in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hurricane Idalia

What category did Hurricane Idalia reach when it made landfall in Florida?

Hurricane Idalia made landfall on Florida’s west coast as a high-end Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds close to 125 mph.

How many residents were without electricity due to the storm?

Over 230,000 households were without power due to the impact of the storm, primarily from strong winds snapping trees and downing electrical lines.

What regions were most severely affected by the hurricane?

The most severely affected areas included Florida’s western coastline, cities like Tampa, and the state capital of Tallahassee. The Big Bend region, where Idalia made landfall, was also heavily impacted.

What measures were taken by state officials in response to the hurricane?

State officials, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, issued stern warnings, urging residents to stay indoors. Emergency declarations were also issued in neighboring states Georgia and South Carolina, mobilizing National Guard troops and state resources. Tolls were waived, and shelters were opened to accommodate evacuees.

How did Hurricane Idalia affect infrastructure?

The hurricane caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including downing power lines, causing trees to fall, and leading to flooding that overwhelmed municipal lift stations and stormwater systems.

What advice was given to residents who ignored evacuation orders?

The city of Clearwater urged residents who had ignored the mandatory evacuation orders to minimize water and toilet usage, as flooding strained the city’s lift stations and stormwater systems.

What was unique about Hurricane Idalia’s impact on Florida?

Officials dubbed Hurricane Idalia an “unprecedented event,” primarily because no major hurricanes on record have historically traversed the bay adjacent to the Big Bend region of Florida.

Were any other states affected or expected to be affected by Hurricane Idalia?

Yes, after crossing Florida and Georgia, Hurricane Idalia was expected to weaken into a tropical storm before affecting the Carolinas. Emergency declarations were also issued in Georgia and South Carolina to prepare for the storm’s impact.

How have previous hurricanes impacted Florida?

The state of Florida is still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s Category 5 Hurricane Ian, which resulted in nearly 150 fatalities and caused extensive damage to over 52,000 structures.

What are the projections for the 2023 hurricane season?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revised its projections for the 2023 hurricane season, expecting a busier season than initially forecast, partly due to unusually warm ocean temperatures.

More about Hurricane Idalia

  • National Hurricane Center: Category Definitions
  • Florida Governor’s Office: Emergency Declarations
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 2023 Hurricane Season Forecast
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency: Preparing for Hurricanes
  • U.S. National Guard: Emergency Response Mobilization
  • City of Clearwater: Flood Management and Safety Tips
  • Tallahassee Municipal Services: Storm Impact and Recovery
  • Tampa Bay Times: Local Impact of Hurricane Idalia
  • Georgia Governor’s Office: Emergency Resources
  • South Carolina Governor’s Office: Emergency Preparedness

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10 comments

Roberto_F August 30, 2023 - 2:44 pm

The number of National Guard troops activated is impressive, shows the scale of this emergency. Hope help gets to where it’s needed ASAP.

Reply
Steve_G August 30, 2023 - 4:32 pm

Diane Flowers made the right call. When a firefighter/EMT tells you to leave, you better pack up and go!

Reply
EmilyK August 30, 2023 - 11:27 pm

Those who ignored evacuation are putting strain on an already strained system. Why won’t people listen?

Reply
NancyW August 30, 2023 - 11:39 pm

I can’t help but compare this to last year’s Hurricane Ian. Are we gonna see this every year now?

Reply
AlanS August 31, 2023 - 12:57 am

Govt seems to be doing everything they can, but can never prepare enough for mother nature. it’s just impossible.

Reply
SarahJohnson August 31, 2023 - 1:26 am

Woah, Hurricane Idalia seems like a monster storm. Can’t believe over 230k people lost power. stay safe everyone!

Reply
TimInTampa August 31, 2023 - 3:54 am

Streets turned to rivers in Tampa. yep, can confirm. it’s bad out here guys.

Reply
JanetLee August 31, 2023 - 7:56 am

the Big Bend region is lightly populated, thank god. But imagine the wildlife that’s affected too! Sad.

Reply
Mike_D August 31, 2023 - 10:09 am

Unprecedented event, huh? Shows how climate change isn’t a joke. we need to take this stuff seriously.

Reply
KarenM August 31, 2023 - 11:47 am

Motels packed all the way to Alabama, that’s crazy. Where are people supposed to go?

Reply

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