Hurricane Idalia was the first hurricane since 1896 to hit Florida's Big Bend region. The storm was devastating: the Florida Governor's Mansion was hit by a 100-year-old oak tree while the First Family was inside, Tampa Bay was filled with flood water, businesses and homes were washed away and destroyed.
Despite Florida's exceptional preparation, the damage this category 4 hurricane brought to the state is still incredibly saddening for all Floridians.
Hurricane Idalia
Hurricane Idalia was a massive category 4 hurricane that formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. By the time it reached the Gulf of Mexico, Idalia was already a tropical storm and was undergoing rapid intensification.
Before making landfall in Florida on August 30th, 2023, Idalia, now a confirmed hurricane, was classified as a category 4 hurricane. Contrary to all expectations, however, right before making landfall on Keaton Beach, Fla., Idalia weakened into a category 3 hurricane.
Winds raced at a sustained 125 mph, storm surge waters were up to 8.9 feet high, the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa, Fla., was flooded, and over 150 people required rescue.
At least 2,000 homes were damaged and 278,000 Floridians were left without power.
Idalia raged though Florida in only one day. After that, it was classified as a tropical storm and hit some of the states along the Atlantic coast, before running off into the ocean.
Damage
Hurricane Idalia caused extreme damage to many homes and businesses.
Flooding presented itself in many Florida counties, and, even after so much preparation, destroyed many buildings. Even in the capital city, there were strong winds and rainfall.
Early estimates place insured damage at $2.2-5 billion. It will take a long time for the state to fully recover from this devastating storm, but it will happen, slowly but surely.
Preparation
On August 26th, when Idalia was still a tropical storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for 33 Florida counties. Two days later, after Idalia had become a hurricane, Governor DeSantis added 13 more counties to the declaration. The governor also issued mandatory evacuation orders for the counties in the affected area. Two hundred Starlink internet devices were deployed in preparation for service disruptions.
Also, 1,100 Florida National Guard members, along with 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircrafts were dispatched for search and rescue.
Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with disaster relief efforts.
Aftermath
The very day the hurricane was over, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Perry, Fla., and gave updates on the state's response to the storm, along with several other state and local officials.
Joe Biden directed FEMA Director Deanne Criswell to meet with Governor DeSantis, and said that 900 Coast Guard members were being sent to respond to the hurricane's impacts.
On September 2nd, Biden arrived at Florida to survey the hurricane damage, and met with the citizens of Live Oak, Fla., including the city mayor and Senator Rick Scott.
A 100-year-old oak tree falls on the Florida Governor's Mansion
First Lady Casey DeSantis said that on August 30th, a 100-year-old oak tree had fallen on the Governor's Mansion while she and their kids were inside. Thankfully no one was injured, and the damage can be repaired.
Conclusion
The devastating Hurricane Idalia definitely could have been worse. Together with Governor Ron DeSantis' exceptional preparation (did I say, exceptional!!!) and, of course, God's Providence, Hurricane Idalia had much less of an impact than it could have. Although it will still be a long road to recovery, we'll see the end of that road soon enough.
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