The latest information from the National Hurricane Center has Hurricane Idalia as an extremely dangerous Category 3 hurricane nearing its landfall in Florida.
The hurricane now has maximum sustained winds of 125 mph with higher gusts. The change in wind speed does not diminish the threat of catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds, according to the National Hurricane Center statement.
Catastrophic and life-threatening impacts from storm surge and winds are expected as Idalia moves ashore, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The forecast track has shifted a bit more north and west from the previous forecast. Idalia is projected to make its landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida later today.
Idalia is forecasted to weaken to a Category 1 or Category 2 as it moves across southeast Georgia.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for parts of south Georgia. Tropical storm watches and warnings for south and southeast Georgia and along the Georgia coast.
A tornado watch has been issued for those areas as well.
Storm surge is forecast to get as high as 12-16 feet along the big bend of Florida and the southeast coast of Georgia could have storm surge 2-4 feet.
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