The storm triggered storm surge warnings and tornado watches along most of Florida's west coast Tuesday night.
The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Idalia continued to strengthen on Tuesday evening. The storm is now recording top sustained winds of 110 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane on the verge of reaching Category 3 wind speeds of 111 mph.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Florida's Gulf Coast from Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass. Tropical storm warnings have been issued in the Fort Myers area due to Idalia's outer bands.The National Weather Service announced a tornado watch for Taylor, Lafayette, and Dixie Counties until 6 AM on Wednesday.
"Catastrophic impacts from storm surge inundation of 10 to 15 feet above ground level and destructive waves are expected somewhere between Aucilla River and Yankeetown, Florida," the National Hurricane Center wrote."Life-threatening storm surge inundation is likely elsewhere along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect. Residents in these areas should follow any advice given by local officials.
"Storm surge can be life-threatening at just 2 to 3 feet. Some of these areas are going to experience storm surge well over 7 foot. There's not a person in this room that's over 7 foot tall," Kevin Guthrie, Florida's director of the Division of Emergency Management, said. The National Weather Service office in Tallahassee has warned residents that the effects of the storm are expected to be unlike anything else the region has experienced. Residents are urged to finish storm preparations before the end of the day on Tuesday, and to heed evacuation orders.
A tropical storm warning was in effect for Sebastian Inlet Florida to South Santee River South Carolina.
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