Idalia updates: Damaging tornadoes, severe flooding from Florida to Carolinas

Idalia, now a tropical storm, touched down in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023, 4:37 PM EDT

Idalia touched down in Florida's Big Bend region on Wednesday morning as a powerful Category 3 hurricane -- the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in the Apalachee Bay.

Idalia has since weakened into a tropical storm and moved inland over Georgia and the Carolinas.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Aug 28, 2023, 6:15 PM EDT

Evacuation orders issued for multiple Florida counties

Multiple counties in Florida are under mandatory and voluntary evacuations as Tropical Storm Idalia barrels toward the state.

People living in zones in Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota and Taylor counties must evacuate the area, according to multiple county officials.

County officials are also urging people living in mobile homes, low-lying areas and along the coast to leave the area as Idalia approaches.

Officials in Hernando, Jefferson, Manatee and Pasco counties have also issued voluntary evacuation orders for particular zones.


-ABC News' Michael Pappano, Jianna Cousin and Robinson Perez

Aug 28, 2023, 3:24 PM EDT

FEMA encourages everyone in Idalia's path to 'get prepared today'

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging everyone in Idalia’s path to "get prepared today."

Home Depot employee Sharon Walsh fills a cart with cases of water while moving them to the front door as customers prepared for Tropical Storm Idalia in Ocala, Fla., Aug. 28, 2023.
Doug Engle/USA Today via Reuters

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell spoke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and "emphasized the agency's actions and readiness to support the state’s needs." FEMA is also "closely coordinating" with Georgia and South Carolina to provide support as needed.

Local residents fill sandbags in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia, at a self-serve station at Pride Park in Bradenton, Florida, Aug. 28, 2023.
Dan Wagner/USA Today via Reuters

President Joe Biden also spoke with DeSantis earlier Monday and approved an emergency declaration.

-ABC News' Justin Gomez

Aug 28, 2023, 11:53 AM EDT

Tampa International Airport to close

Tampa International Airport will close at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday as Idalia nears.

A hurricane warning has been issued from the Tampa Bay area up to the Apalachicola area.

Aug 28, 2023, 11:49 AM EDT

Idalia could become hurricane on Monday, major hurricane by Tuesday night

Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday and may become a major hurricane by Tuesday night.

Landfall is currently forecast for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday in Florida's Big Bend region.

Idalia path.
ABC News

Storm surge is expected to be a major threat and could reach as high as 11 feet in the Big Bend area.

Idalia storm surge.
ABC News

Up to 1 foot of rain could drench the Florida Panhandle and tornadoes are possible in Tampa and Orlando.

Floridans prepare as tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday as it bears down on Florida.
ABC News

Idalia will move north Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rain and potential flash flooding to Georgia and the Carolinas. Idalia will head out to sea on Thursday.

-ABC News' Max Golembo

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