TALAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – At an emergency management briefing in Tallahassee Tuesday morning, Gov. Ron DeSantis urged people living in low-lying, coastal communities in the path of Hurricane Idalia to heed evacuation orders.
There are evacuation orders in 22 counties. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued hurricane warnings from Sarasota County to Franklin County in the Big Bend area.
As of the 11 a.m. forecast update, the NHC said catastrophic impact from storm surge inundation of 10- to 15 feet above ground level and destructive waves are expected somewhere between Aucilla River and Yankeetown. The say life-threatening storm surge is likely elsewhere along other portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast where a storm surge warning is in effect.
The NHC says water could reach the following heights above ground if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide:
- Aucilla River to Yankeetown: 10-15′
- Yankeetown to Chassahowitzka: 7-11′
- Chassahowitzka to Anclote River: 6-9′
- Ochlockonee River to Aucilla River: 6-9′
“If you’re there in that storm surge, you’re putting your life in jeopardy,” said DeSantis. “So, if you are given those [evacuation] orders, please heed those orders.”
You run from the water and you hide from the wind.
–Gov. Ron DeSantis
DeSantis explained that evacuating doesn’t mean you have to drive hundreds of miles. “You don’t have to leave the state,” said DeSantis. “You have to get to higher ground in a safe structure. You can ride the storm out there, and then go back to your home once the storm passes.”
To make the evacuations easier, the Florida Department of Transportation started waiving tolls on roads in the impacted areas at 4 a.m.
RELATED: Some north-central Florida counties issue evacuation orders, open emergency shelters ahead of storm
If you don’t have family or friends you can shelter with, the governor says VisitFlorida has activated the emergency accommodation module with Expedia. It provides real-time hotel and lodging availability throughout the state.
Additionally, many hotels offer evacuees reduced rates. On Monday, Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates to give evacuees a safe, affordable place to ride out the storm. Distress rates at Rosen properties range from $69/night to $129/night. If you’re seeking shelter at other hotels, be sure to ask about reduced rates during the storm event.