Florida Braces for Unprecedented Hurricane Idalia, with King Tide Expected to Worsen Flooding

Florida is bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Idalia, a dangerous Category 4 storm that is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges and rainfall. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee has called Idalia “an unprecedented event” since no major hurricanes on record have ever passed through the bay abutting the Big Bend.

The storm is expected to affect a large portion of the state, and the flooding may be made worse due to a so-called “king tide.” King tides are the highest tides of the year and normally occur twice yearly in coastal areas, causing unusually high flood levels and possible tidal flooding, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tides are affected by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, and are usually higher when the moon is new or full. The result of the king tide combined with the storm surge from Hurricane Idalia could be a big blow to a state still dealing with lingering damage from last year’s Hurricane Ian.

Residents in the Big Bend region, where the Florida Panhandle curves into the peninsula, are urged to take precautions and prepare for the storm. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is advising people to secure their property, including boats, and to move to higher ground if necessary.

The Environmental Protection Agency is also warning people to be aware of the potential for flooding and to take steps to protect their homes and businesses. As Hurricane Idalia approaches, Floridians should be prepared for the worst and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.