United States: A tropical storm called Idalia could strengthen into a hurricane and strike Florida’s Gulf Coast making landfall this week.
The storm currently has 60 mph (95 kph) sustained winds and is expected to potentially strengthen to Category 2, with sustained winds ranging from 96 to 110 mph as it approaches Florida, said Governor Mr. Ron DeSantis.
The storm is presently positioned approximately 100 miles east of Cozumel, Mexico. It’s moving at a speed of about 3 mph and has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, according to the national hurricane centre.
Forecasters anticipate that Idalia will gradually move through the Yucatán Channel in the next 24 to 36 hours. This will result in tropical storm conditions affecting the far eastern areas of Yucatán, Mexico, and the western tip of Cuba.
“Strengthening is forecast, and Idalia is expected to become a hurricane over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday. Additional strengthening is likely while Idalia approaches the northeastern Gulf coast,” the National Hurricane Centre shared.
Florida is expected to face a life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds. The majority of the storm is predicted to advance over portions of the Southeast on 30 August 2023.
Florida Governor advised residents to “follow the guidance of your local authorities” as the state gets ready for Idalia’s approach.
“Our emergency operations centre here in Tallahassee will go to a Level 1, 24-hour around the clock,” Mr. DeSantis quoted.
1,100 National Guardsmen have been mobilised and have access to 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircraft for rescue and recovery operations, as per Mr. DeSantis. Additionally, the Florida Highway Patrol has 300 troopers prepared for deployment.
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