Tropical storm to develop into hurricane as it heads for Florida beaches
Gary NoakesFlorida’s Gulf Coast is under threat from a tropical storm predicted to develop into a major hurricane when it makes landfall on Wednesday (30 August).
The UK Foreign Office has issued advice on Tropical Storm Idalia, which developed to the west of Cuba and is predicted to strengthen as it reaches the north-western coast of Florida before curving northeast. It is scheduled to hit the area known as the Florida Big Bend between Tampa and Tallahassee.
The weather system is then predicted to hit the coast of Georgia on Wednesday before passing out into the Atlantic off South Carolina on Thursday.
The FCDO said: “Tropical Storm Idalia is due to reach the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday and make landfall in the Florida Big Bend area as a category 3 ‘major’ hurricane by Wednesday. Idalia will bring heavy rain, high winds, and damaging storm surges.”
Florida has put 46 counties under a state of emergency warning. In an update, the state’s emergency division said: “Life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast.” The Florida National Guard has been mobilised in preparation.
The FCDO also noted Idalia had passed over western Cuba on Monday. It said: “In the aftermath of a hurricane or tropical storm in Cuba, power, communications and water supplies can be disrupted. Even in holiday resorts, utility services may not be guaranteed.”
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