Holidaymakers and residents in Florida have been warned of “an extremely dangerous major hurricane” called Idalia, which is set to make landfall in the US state on Wednesday (August 30).
The UK Foreign Office has issued warnings for the US and Cuba, staying the storm is due to make landfall in the Florida Big Bend area as a category 3 ‘major’ hurricane by Wednesday. Idalia will bring heavy rain, high winds and damaging storm surge, says the FCDO.
“Residents and visitors are advised to follow the guidance of the local authorities. Please follow updates on the Florida Disaster website and the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s twitter,” the FCDO warning added.
Here are the Key Messages for Hurricane Idalia for the Tuesday am advisory. #Idalia is expected to intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall along the west coast or Big Bend region of Florida. More: https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJpic.twitter.com/AV2NrctxlN
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 29, 2023
The National Hurricane Center in US said Idalia is expected to “rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall on Wednesday”.
It warned there is a danger of a life-threatening storm surge along portions of the Florida Gulf coast, and there is the potential for destructive winds.
On Monday (August 28), the Florida governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 46 counties, with evacuation orders or suggestions in 21 counties.
The path of the hurricane is expected to hit a wide central portion of the state, including cities such as Tampa and Orlando, according to CBS News.