• Hurricane Idalia struck the Florida Gulf Coast on Wednesday as a potent Category 3 storm, leaving behind a trail of destruction across an extensive region. Homes and vehicles were submerged, streets transformed into waterways, small boats adrift, and power lines toppled, marking an unprecedented assault on the area.
• The impact of the storm was profound, leaving over 330,000 customers in Florida and Georgia without power. Coastal streets were inundated by surging waters. As the storm’s eye ventured further inland, its powerful gusts tore apart signs, sent sheets of metal airborne, and snapped towering trees.
• Local authorities issued urgent warnings, urging people to stay away from affected areas. The fire and rescue department of Cedar Key, an island, posted a message advising against travel as they encountered multiple fallen trees and road blockages. In the midst of the storm surge, the tide gauge at Cedar Key recorded a surge of 6.8 feet (2 meters), sufficient to submerge a substantial portion of the downtown area. The situation was compounded by the explosion of propane tanks throughout the island.

Tagged: Disasters