Idalia is unleashing life-threatening storm surges and rainfall all along the Gulf Coast.
Can’t call 911 during an Idalia emergency? Any Sumter County resident can text local emergency lines, even if they don’t speak English.
The 352today team is tracking Idalia’s impact across north-central Florida and updating this post in real-time. Check frequently for updates.
Catastrophic storm surge between 12 and 16′ is anticipated in some areas.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 32-year-old jail employee. ACSO fired Zachary Wilder the same day the booked him into the jail where he worked.
Here’s a county-by-county breakdown of key information from emergency management officials in the 352.
On Monday, Idalia was already proving to be an unwelcome guest in the tourist destination of Crystal River as businesses were boarding up or already closed in preparation for Idalia’s arrival.
Gov. Ron DeSantis urges residents to comply with mandatory evacuation orders, “The storm surge is not something – you’re not going to win that battle if you decide to stay behind for that.”
OPD says Sgt. Ron Malone is out of ICU but has a long recovery journey ahead of him.
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.