Hurricane Idalia Warning: Storm Could Become Category 3, Dangerous Storm Surge Expected

Hurricane Idalia continues to strengthen as it approaches Florida, with the storm strengthening to Category 2 and threatening to give Florida's west coast a potentially catastrophic collision.

Florida officials are now begging some residents as the storm has been measured to come with 100 mph winds. Hurricane Idalia's outer bands have already been lashing Florida for hours, with reports of flooding in some coastal areas.

According to CNN, parts of the state's Gulf Coast should expect a "life-threatening" storm surge on Tuesday night as the storm's winds begin to push ocean waters ashore.

Meanwhile, the Taylor County Sheriff's Office is warning about a great potential for death and catastrophic devastation. It added that the storm surges are so strong in the coastal areas that they have been described as "non-survivable."

The hurricane is expected to strengthen to Category 3 as it reaches Florida's Big Bend region on Wednesday morning. Powerful winds and strong storm surges of up to 10 to 15 feet are expected to hit the area. Officials are warning that these storm surges might be high enough to "stack a wall of seawater halfway up the second floor of an average building."

A mandatory evacuation has been issued in some parts of Florida, including Cedar Key, where Mayor Heath Davis placed a mandatory order to leave their homes immediately.

"This storm is worse than we've ever seen. My family has been here for many generations, we haven't seen a storm this bad, ever," said the mayor, who warned that all emergency services will stop Tuesday evening as winds pick up.

Ron DeSantis Announces State of Emergency for 49 Counties as Hurricane Idalia Approaches Florida

As Hurricane Idalia continues to rapidly intensify in the Gulf of Mexico on its way to Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a state of emergency for 49 counties. These include 25 counties that have been issuing evacuation orders over the life-threatening storm surge that could hit their communities.

"Storm surge of this magnitude is not something we've ever seen in this part of Florida in any of our lifetimes," said the Florida governor. "So, please, please take the appropriate precautions."

Meanwhile, FOX Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross warned, "The first part of today is your last chance to take action to make your situation better after the storm has passed."

He added, "Look around. Pick up things that can blow in the wind. Park your car on high ground, away from trees, or in protected places. Have a way to charge your cellphone from your car."

Hurricane Idalia Expected To Also Hit Georgia and the Carolinas

While the majority of the damage is expected to hit Florida, the storm is also expected to affect other states, including Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Big Florida cities such as Tampa and Orlando are also going to be affected by this strengthening storm.

The storm is still in the Gulf of Mexico but is expected to hit the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday. As of 5:00 PM ET, the storm was located around 195 miles southwest of Tampa and 300 miles south of Tallahassee. It continues moving north at 16 mph, per CBS News. It has a maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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