The Gulf of Mexico has brewed up a potential menace as Tropical Storm Idalia gains momentum, poised to strike Florida as a full-fledged hurricane within the week.
Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicate that Idalia will escalate to hurricane strength by Tuesday, targeting a Wednesday landfall on Florida’s shores.
While warnings have been issued for the Yucatán Peninsula’s eastern tip and Cuba’s western province, the U.S. mainland remains currently outside the alert zones. However, this may shift as soon as Sunday evening.
The hurricane’s trajectory pinpoints the western part of Florida for a potential impact, where wind speeds could peak at 90 mph.
Jamie Rhome, the Deputy Director of the NHC, during a YouTube live stream, emphasized the gravity of the situation for those residing in the Florida western peninsula. “From Fort Meyers up to the panhandle, residents must remain vigilant. Even areas outside the immediate storm cone are not immune to its effects,” Rhome warned.
Once Idalia has unleashed its fury on Florida, it’s set to march further into the southeastern U.S., possibly affecting regions like Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It’s imperative to note that storm trajectories can be unpredictable, and changes in the path are expected.
Taking the looming threat into account, Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed a state of emergency across large sections of Florida, urging residents to prepare and remain alert.