Florida braces for ‘life-threatening’ hurricane

Thursday, 29 Aug, 2023 0

Tropical storm Idalia has officially become a Florida hurricane.

It intensified en route toward Florida’s Gulf coast, and could make landfall early Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center issued warnings of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds in an area including Tampa Bay.

NHC predicts wind speeds of 80-120 mph as it approaches Florida.

A storm watch was also in effect for the lower Florida Keys.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency across 46 counties, covering the northern half of the state coast to coast.

The National Guard has been mobilized and the White house has released emergency funding.

The Florida hurricane is grounding flights with Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport set to close today.

The Sunrail commuter rail service in Orlando is suspended.

DeSantis warned Idalia could become a Category 3 hurricane.

DeSantis said tolls on highways in the Tampa area will be waived to help motorists flee affected areas in time.

Evacuation notices have been issued in parts of 21 counties with mandatory orders in eight counties.

These are mostly low-lying areas near the coast.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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