Storm Surge From Idalia Predicted to be Severe

Hurricane expected to strengthen rapidly over superheated gulf

Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties all issued mandatory evacuation orders for people in coastal and low-lying areas. Tampa Bay Times $ (subscription required).

Know your hurricane evacuation zone. First Coast News

Storm surge in Tampa Bay will coincide with the highest tides of the month due to the presence of a full moon and a king tide. That means that the high waters from the storm could be one to two feet higher than would otherwise be the case, according to the Tampa Bay Times $

Five reasons Idalia stands apart from other recent damaging storms. Axios

Track the storm at the National Hurricane Center, Spectrum Bay News 9, and Track the Tropics.

Where to find a hurricane shelter. 10 Tampa Bay

School closures. News Channel 8

Tampa International Airport is closed, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will close this afternoon, per News Channel 8.

Other closures, per Spectrum Bay News 9

Gov. Ron DeSantis placed 46 counties under a state of emergency.
The Center Square

DeSantis has suspended campaigning to return to Florida for the duration of the hurricane. Politico

Biden signs state of emergency order. CNBC

Florida’s already volatile insurance industry is bracing for Idalia. CNN