Idalia leaves a trail of damage and flooding behind in Florida, specifically on the northwest coast, known as the Big Bend, as well as inland.
Two deaths in Florida
Two men died in Florida as a result of Idalia. In Pasco County, a 40-year-old man lost control of his pickup truck while driving in the storm and crashed into a tree. A second man, 59, was also killed while driving in heavy rain. He lost control and swerved off the road. Both deaths were confirmed by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Power supply
Idalia passed through a rural region of Florida. Approximately 18,000 people live in Madison County, which is on the Florida-Georgia border. There was significant damage to the county’s electrical infrastructure.
Just thought I would add another correction. This is a mesovortex, not a QLCS spin up! 😁 https://t.co/ouK5CsCzgT
— Sierra Lindsey (@Sierra_Lindsey3) August 30, 2023
At the height of the storm, about 250,000 Florida customers were without power. In some counties, 60% of the entire power grid was affected. The counties most affected were Wakulla, Taylor, Dixie, Lafayette, Suwannee, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Columbia, Gilchrist and Levy.
Major flooding in Steinhatchee, FL #flwx pic.twitter.com/sRrzUV9uaq
— Sierra Lindsey (@Sierra_Lindsey3) August 30, 2023
Floods and gusts of wind
In some communities the damage was greater. Cedar Key, an island off the west coast was a case in point. The island experienced major flooding and strong winds. In Perry, Taylor County, there was considerable damage to the city's infrastructure, according to NBC. Several houses were crushed by fallen trees in the town.
Wicked western eyewall in Perry, FL of Idalia ripping Perry apart. #Idalia #hurricaneidalia pic.twitter.com/s1cxxmezRi
— Aaron Jayjack (@aaronjayjack) August 30, 2023
The governor's own family was also affected by Idalia. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis posted a picture on X (formerly Twitter) showing how strong winds toppled a century-old oak tree from the governor's home in Tallahassee. The DeSantis family was at the mansion at the time, but luckily no one was hurt.
100 year old oak tree falls on the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee — Mason, Madison, Mamie and I were home at the time, but thankfully no one was injured.
Our prayers are with everyone impacted by the storm. pic.twitter.com/l6MOE8wNMC
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) August 30, 2023
Back to normal
State officials announced Wednesday that activity could return to normal in a number of counties as early as Thursday. The same is true for schools. The governor of Florida announced that starting Wednesday the state's airports located in Tampa, Gainesville and Tallahasee will reopen.
WHEELS DOWN! ❤️ The first passenger flight just arrived at TPA post-closure. ⁰⁰As a reminder, we are open only to arriving flights today and reopening fully tomorrow at 3 AM. ⁰⁰Please check with your airline for the latest flight updates ✈️ pic.twitter.com/xzz33G07wN
— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) August 30, 2023
The Carolinas, Idalia’s last stop
On Wednesday, Idalia headed north to Georgia with strong winds around 78 mph, in addition to heavy rain. Idalia left about 217,000 customers without power in Georgia, according to the PowerOutage.us website. In Valdosta, Lowndes County, a driver was killed when a tree fell on his vehicle.
Hurricane Idalia: Valdosta, Georgia. #HurricaneIdalia #TropicalStormIdalia #Valdosta #Georgia pic.twitter.com/bZtaVmJaXa
— Tijuana Cat Rescue and Sanctuary (@TijuanaRescue) August 30, 2023
South Carolina experienced significant flooding and heavy rains as Idalia made its way over the area late Wednesday. Early Thursday morning, the tropical storm will return to the Atlantic Ocean, heading east.
