Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane by the time it reaches the Florida coast.
The Idalia storm heading towards the state of Florida has strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane, according to the US National hurricane center NHC. Idalia strengthened into a category two hurricane around midnight Finnish time.
According to the Hurricane Center, Idalia is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions to northern Florida as it enters the Gulf of Mexico. Storm surges may raise water levels in coastal areas by up to 3 to 5 meters, and in northwest Florida, the predicted amount of rain may be up to 30 centimetres.
– Only a few survive in the area of large storm floods. This storm will kill unless we get out of its way and take it seriously, says FEMA chief Deanne Criswell.
Storm flooding is also a concern in the Tampa metropolitan area, home to more than three million people.
Evacuation orders in 23 counties in Florida
Idalia is expected to reach the Florida coast as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning local time.
Evacuation orders have been issued for 23 counties in the state. Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis has urged people to leave the evacuated areas immediately.
– You don’t have to go hundreds of miles away, DeSantis said at a press conference, urging people to leave danger areas.
The President of the United States who spoke with DeSantis on Monday Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for the state, which allows for federal aid to fight storm damage.
CNN and NBC News following Hurricane Idalia’s approach to Florida.
In Cuba, thousands fled their homes
On Monday, the Idalia storm brought torrential rains and strong winds to southeastern Mexico. In Cuba, on the other hand, thousands of people left their homes in Pinar del Rio and sought shelter from the storm with relatives or friends.
Flooding was seen in parts of the capital, Havana, and the storm cut off electricity for about 200,000 people. However, no fatalities have been reported.