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Hurricane Idalia Strengthening to “Extremely Dangerous” Category 4, Landfall Estimated Early Wednesday in Big Bend Florida, Heavy Destruction Expected

Hurricane Idalia is still building strength according to NOAA, current sustained wind speeds at 110mph, 10+ foot storm surge expected, extremely dangerous conditions now and at landfall expected, evacuations are advised for anyone in the current landfall or path area. Check local weather advisories for more information.

NOAA: “At 1100 PM EDT (0300 UTC), the center of Hurricane Idalia was located near latitude 27.7 North, longitude 84.5 West. Idalia is moving toward the north near 18 mph (30 km/h). A northward to north-northeastward motion is expected through tonight, with Idalia’s center forecast to reach the Big Bend coast of Florida on Wednesday morning. After landfall, the center of Idalia is forecast to turn toward the northeast and east-northeast, moving near or along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina late Wednesday and Thursday. Hurricane Hunter aircraft data indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph (175 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast, and Idalia is expected to become a major hurricane during the next few hours before it reaches the Big Bend coast of Florida. Idalia is likely to still be a hurricane while moving across southern Georgia, and possibly when it reaches the coast of Georgia or southern South Carolina on Wednesday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles (260 km). The estimated minimum central pressure based on Hurricane Hunter aircraft observations is 958 mb (28.29 inches).”

Read more and updates: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Idalia

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