Hurricane Idalia hits Florida's west coast as powerful Category 3 storm on Wednesday

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【Summary】Hurricane Idalia, a dangerous Category 3 storm, made landfall on Florida's west coast, causing life-threatening storm surges and rainfall. Two people were killed in weather-related car crashes. Residents were urged to evacuate or find a safe place, as the storm was expected to bring unprecedented levels of storm surge.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 12:37 AM PT

Hurricane Idalia hits Florida's west coast as powerful Category 3 storm on Wednesday

Hurricane Idalia struck Florida's west coast on Wednesday as a dangerous Category 3 storm, causing significant storm surges and rainfall in an area unaccustomed to such severe weather. The hurricane made landfall in the sparsely populated Big Bend region, where the Florida Panhandle curves into the peninsula.

Tragically, two people lost their lives in weather-related car accidents in Florida on Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. In Pasco County, a 40-year-old male driver died after losing control of his Ford Ranger and colliding with a tree. Similarly, in Alachua County, a 59-year-old male driver crashed his Toyota Tacoma into trees during extremely rainy conditions and was killed.

As Hurricane Idalia gained strength in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, residents living in vulnerable coastal areas were ordered to evacuate. Those who chose to stay were advised to seek shelter and stay safe until the storm passed. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the importance of not taking unnecessary risks during this powerful storm.

The storm surge caused by Hurricane Idalia could reach heights of up to 4.5 meters in certain areas. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee described the hurricane as an unprecedented event, as no major hurricanes have previously passed through the bay adjacent to the Big Bend region.