Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Wednesday morning, with the storm triggering a series of intense floods and winds that are expected to affect 46 counties across the Sunshine State.
Storm surge warnings are in effect for Englewood north to Indian Pass in Florida, including Tampa Bay. Hurricane warnings are in effect for Tampa Bay and the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, as well.
IDALIA PATH TRACKER WATCH LIVE: WHERE IS THE HURRICANE AND WHERE WILL IT MAKE LANDFALL
These areas are likely to be affected by "life-threatening inundation" from rising water coming in from the coastline. Videos show a heavy storm surge in Cedar Key, Florida, destroying trees, wildlife, and homes.
Storm surge causing structural damage and blowing out the doors of condo complex in Cedar Key, FL from Hurricane Idalia @accuweather pic.twitter.com/WAJgBtZtku
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerAccu) August 30, 2023
A video in the eye of Idalia shows power lines exploding or flashing on the roads as cars drive through the heavy rain. Over 230,000 people are without power in Florida as of 9:04 a.m., according to PowerOutage.us.
Idalia eyewall is here, power flashes EVERYWHERE. Most intense winds about to hit just as the sun is coming up #flwx #Idalia @severestudios pic.twitter.com/nEiFaYkFrY
— Sierra Lindsey (@Sierra_Lindsey3) August 30, 2023
In Tampa Bay, water is reportedly rising quickly and entering homes along Bayshore Boulevard.
JUST IN - #Hurricane #Idalia cause extreme flooding near Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa Bay, #Florida. Water-level increasing and entering homes pic.twitter.com/4HaxkoPbvF
— Global.TV (@GlobalTelevsion) August 30, 2023
In Keaton Beach, where the eye of Idalia made landfall, a video captured extremely high winds. The hurricane arrived in Florida with maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour.
Going downhill fast on Keaton Beach, FL #HurricaneIdalia pic.twitter.com/vRtpB1L6BM
— Storm Chaser Sidney Grimmett (@WxSidneyG) August 30, 2023
Steinhatchee, a Gulf Coast community, is experiencing significant flooding, with a video showing water levels rising almost to cover buildings.
WOW! Check out this clip from a Steinhatchee, #Florida livecam just now as #HurricaneIdalia floods the area in deep #StormSurge! ???? #flwx #Idalia @NWSTallahassee pic.twitter.com/jKRTFaUX0a
— BirdingPeepWx (@BirdingPeepWx) August 30, 2023
Following Idalia's landfall in Florida, the hurricane is expected to continue north through the eastern coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas on Wednesday and Thursday, but it is projected to decrease in strength as it travels north. Georgia and South Carolina have issued storm surge or hurricane warnings for various coastal areas.
Evacuation orders have been recommended in 23 counties. Experts have also warned storm surges as high as 11 feet are possible for much of northwestern Florida and into the Panhandle.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Storm surges account for nearly half of all hurricane-related fatalities, according to the NOAA, and are the reason behind the majority of storm evacuations.
As soon as the initial storm passes over the coastal areas, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said search-and-rescue efforts would begin. In addition to taking cover in a safe place, the Florida governor reminded residents not to go outside during the storm and not to drive on flooded streets.