NOAA/via AFPSatellite image of Hurricane Idalia
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 00:34
The southeastern coast of the United States is preparing for Hurricane Idalia. The hurricane is expected to become a Category 3 or 4 severe hurricane on a scale of five. Now Idalia is a category 2 hurricane, with wind speeds of up to 155 kilometers per hour. In addition, Idalia can develop quickly due to the high temperature of the sea water in the Gulf of Mexico.
Idalia has already caused a lot of nuisance in Cuba. The hurricane passed over there on Monday and Tuesday. The west of the country has been particularly affected. Up to 10 centimeters of rain fell in a short time, flooding several areas. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated to shelters or forced to go elsewhere. Electricity was out in many places. It is not clear whether there have been any casualties.
‘Time is running out very quickly’
In the course of today, Idalia will make landfall in the United States. The US weather service NOAA expects Idalia to develop into an “extremely dangerous” hurricane until then.
Florida authorities are urging residents of low-lying areas to move to higher areas to avoid the strong winds and potentially devastating flooding. “Time is running out very quickly,” warned Governor Ron DeSantis.
ReutersIn Cuba, several areas are under water
Much of Florida’s west coast is at risk. People are being evacuated in various places in that state. This mainly happens in low-lying and coastal areas. People who live in recreational vehicles, boats or caravans or campers must also leave. Reception locations have been opened in dozens of places.
State of emergency declared
Residents who are not obliged to leave their homes will also experience the consequences of Idalia, from power outages to the closure of schools and shops. Tampa International Airport and St. Pete Clearwater International Airport are closed.
Some 5,500 military personnel are on hand to provide relief and electricity companies are keeping thousands of employees on hand to restore the power grid as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, other states on the east coast are also preparing for the arrival of the hurricane. North and South Carolina and Georgia are expected to experience the hurricane on Thursday. A state of emergency has therefore been declared in Georgia and South Carolina, which makes it possible to make extra preparations.
2023-08-29 22:34:37
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