The tropical storm idalia continues to intensify and this Wednesday it made landfall in the southern United States (Florida) as hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. Experts had warned that the phenomenon would impact the Gulf of Mexico and later it would turn to the northeast, in the direction of the west coast of Florida. As it moves over southeast Georgia, this natural phenomenon is weakening and is now a tropical storm with 112 km/h winds. Authorities recommend looking for a safe place to face this moment.
Idalia has experienced significant strengthening, rising to a category 3 hurricane, and this strengthening is expected to persist in the next few hours. Based on its current track, the center of Idalia is expected to pass near or over western Cuba soon, then cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, reaching the western coast of Florida on Wednesday, and finally approaching the Carolinas coast on Thursday.
Tour LIVE of Hurricane Idalia
Hurricane Idalia: Tuesday tour
On Tuesday, The cyclone is located approximately 320 km to the Southwest Tampa, Florida, advancing north at a speed of 25 km/h. Additional strengthening is forecast and Idalia is projected to impact the Big Bend region of Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. Weather experts estimate this natural phenomenon will arrive in Florida on Wednesday, August 30.
Important! The most affected area will be the big bend in floridain Tampa Bay, on the Gulf of Mexico, where the Florida peninsula begins, and whose main city is Tallahassee.
What you should know about Hurricane Idalia:
Since Monday, Floridians have been stocking up on sandbags and conducting evacuations in low-lying areas along the Gulf of Mexico coast in preparation for the storm. According to estimates from the National Hurricane Center of USAsustained winds They could reach up to 193 kilometers per hour.
The track of Idalia, which has already become a hurricane, could have a significant impact on Florida. This step would present an additional challenge for a state still dealing with the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in September of last year.
Hurricane Idalia: situation in Cuba
Idalia impacted Cuba with heavy rainfall, particularly in the westernmost region of the island, where the province of Pinewood of the river, known for its tobacco production, is still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. The authorities of this province declared a state of alert and carried out evacuations of residents to the homes of friends and relatives. Last Sunday, the meteorological stations registered rain accumulations of up to 10 centimeters in Cuba.
Florida in a state of emergency
the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has declared a state of emergency in 46 counties, covering a large area that extends along the northern half of the state, from the Gulf coast to the Atlantic coast. In response, The state has deployed 1,100 National Guard troops, backed by 2,400 offshore vehicles and 12 aircraft, who will be on hand for rescue and recovery efforts.
This is the first storm to hit Florida. this hurricane season and authorities urged residents to complete storm preparations no later than Tuesday morning. For its part, the Tampa International Airport and the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport have announced their closure for Tuesday, while the Sunrail intercity train service in Orlando has been suspended.