Tropical Storm Idalia Strengthens, Threatens Florida Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Idalia has intensified as it passed by the western tip of Cuba, setting its sights on the Gulf coast of Florida. Forecasters have warned that the storm could develop into a hurricane "at any time" and make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane by Wednesday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference on Monday, urging residents to prepare and announcing that evacuations would take place. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a statement on social media, warning of the danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast.

US President Joe Biden spoke with Governor DeSantis earlier in the day and approved an emergency declaration for the state. The White House assured that Florida would have full support from the federal government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is already making preparations for the storm's impact, including deploying staff to the affected areas.

Various NHC warnings have been issued for Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina as the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico fuel the storm's intensity. The NHC also predicted hurricane and tropical storm conditions in parts of western Cuba until Tuesday morning. The highest storm surges are expected north of Tampa Bay, with an inundation of 8 to 12 feet above ground level. Flash flooding and urban flooding may also occur in other parts of Florida, including the state's panhandle region, as well as southern Georgia. Parts of South Carolina may experience flooding on Wednesday and Thursday.

Cuban authorities declared a hurricane alert for the provinces of Pinar del Rio and Artemisa, as well as Isla de la Juventud. Thousands of Cubans have already been evacuated or fled in anticipation of the storm. After passing Cuba, Idalia will move over the Gulf, where warm waters are fueling its winds. The NHC warned that rapid intensification is becoming increasingly likely, and Idalia is expected to strengthen up to landfall as a major hurricane.

Scientists have identified climate change as a factor in the increasing power of storms. Last year, Hurricane Ian struck Florida, causing extensive damage and resulting in nearly 150 deaths. Florida is now under a state of emergency in 46 of its 67 counties, with preparations underway for Idalia's impact. The governor has mobilized 1,100 National Guard members and residents are taking precautions, such as loading up on sandbags and evacuating low-lying areas.

Idalia is expected to bring hurricane-force winds to Florida by late Tuesday and make landfall on Wednesday. The storm is the first of the hurricane season to hit the state and will compound the existing damage from Hurricane Ian. Pasco and Levy counties have ordered mandatory evacuations, and other areas are urging residents to seek higher ground. School districts along the Gulf Coast have announced closures, and airports in Tampa and St. Petersburg will close on Tuesday.

Idalia is projected to continue northeast after crossing Florida, impacting Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has ordered emergency managers to activate state operations centers in preparation. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has revised its forecast for the 2023 hurricane season, predicting a higher number of storms due to extremely warm ocean temperatures. The peak of the hurricane season typically falls in August and September.