Idalia predicted to grow into major Category 3 hurricane before striking Florida Gulf Coast

Idalia is slated to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before it strikes the Florida Gulf Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center’s forecast.

Idalia strengthened to a hurricane Tuesday morning with sustained winds of about 85 mph, but the storm will continue to intensify as it heads toward the western coast of Florida. By Wednesday morning, forecasters are predicting that the sustained winds could reach 125 mph — making it a Category 3 hurricane.

A Category 3 hurricane is classified as a major hurricane, meaning “devastating damage will occur,” according to the Hurricane Center. A hurricane becomes a Category 3 storm once it reaches sustained winds of more than 111 mph.

In an 11 a.m. update, forecasters at the Hurricane Center predicted that “rapid intensification is expected before landfall.” The forecasters reiterated that Idalia could bring a life-threatening storm surge to the Florida coast with the potential of 10-to-15-foot storm surges in some areas. 

“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 forecast states. “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 or evacuation orders given by local officials,” the forecast advised.

Storm surges and floods pose a large threat to the western coast of Florida, with evacuation notices having been issued for 21 counties. Eight of those counties have mandatory evacuation orders for some residents, especially for those who live in coastal areas, mobile homes and boats.

Forecasters also warned that a few tornadoes are possible along the western coast Tuesday before the storm makes landfall Wednesday morning.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm in 46 counties and has mobilized 1,100 National Guard members for rescue and recovery efforts. The governor also spoke with President Biden, who approved an emergency declaration for Florida in anticipation of the storm, freeing up additional federal resources for the state to respond to it.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) also declared a state of emergency due to potential impacts to the state by Idalia.