Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing 125 mph winds, flooding streets, snapping trees, and cutting power.
The storm made landfall near Keaton Beach, Florida, at 7:45 a.m. EDT. It then moved inland, weakening to a Category 2 hurricane before crossing into Georgia.
Idalia is the strongest hurricane to hit Florida since Hurricane Michael in 2018.
The storm has caused widespread damage in Florida. Thousands of homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed. Millions of people are without power.
The governor of Florida has declared a state of emergency.
The National Hurricane Center is warning of continued flooding and power outages in Florida and Georgia.
The storm is expected to weaken as it moves northward, but it is still expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Carolinas and Virginia.
Here are some of the impacts of Hurricane Idalia in Florida:
- Widespread power outages, with over 3 million customers without power.
- Flooding in coastal areas, with some areas reporting up to 10 feet of flooding.
- Damage to homes and businesses, with some structures destroyed.
- Fallen trees and power lines, block roads and make travel difficult.
- Hazardous driving conditions due to flooding and wind.
The governor of Florida has urged residents to stay safe and to follow the instructions of local officials.
If you are in an area affected by Hurricane Idalia, please stay safe and follow these tips:
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If you must go outside, use caution and be aware of downed power lines and other hazards.
- Do not drive through flooded areas.
- Listen to the radio or television for updates on the storm.
- Follow the instructions of local officials.