Hurricanes (weather)
Hurricane Idalia’s rain bands span Florida as the hurricane strengthens and heads toward a landfall near the state’s Big Bend region, in this color-enhanced satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, taken at 9 p.m. Aug. 29, 2023.
NOAA/NESDIS/STAR GOES-East
One-year-old Reagan Ortagus supervises from her car seat as her father, Tyler Ortagus, fills sandbags at the Mills Field location in St. Johns County Tuesday morning as residents of Northeast Florida made preparations for approaching Hurricane Idalia. “Her daycare was closed and her big sister had a doctor’s appointment that my wife had to take her to, so I had to take her”, Ortagus said between shovels full of county-provided sand.
Bob Self/Florida Times-Union/ USA TODAY Network
The Gulf Coast of Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Idalia on Aug 29, 2023 and in Cedar Key. The fast moving storm is forecast to make landfall on Wednesday, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
Lee Bryan, owner of Bryan farms, that raise clams, secures his building before Hurricane Idalia Tuesday, Aug 29, 2023. The fast moving storm is forecast to make landfall on Wednesday, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
Joseph Anderson climbs under a building for Bryan Farms to secure it before Hurricane Idalia Tuesday, Aug 29, 2023 in Cedar Key, Fl..
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
Sandbags and shutters cover the entrance and windows of a building in Cedar Key, Fl. on Aug. 29, 2023.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
Karri Holliday, Aripeka, Fl. resident, collects sand to protect her home Tuesday in Spring Hill on Aug 29, 2023.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
(from left) Chris Laite, Clay Brooks and Jordan Keeton, owner of the restaurant ’83 West’ board up the building before the storm on Aug. 29, 2023. The Gulf Coast of Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Idalia. The fast-moving storm is forecast to make landfall on Wednesday, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
Visitors check out the surf and outer bands of Hurricane Idalia as it approaches Florida at Times Square on Fort Myers Beach on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. Fort Myers Beach was decimated in Hurricane Ian last year.
Andrew West/The News-Press
Surfers and skimboarders enjoy the waves as the outer bands of Hurricane Idalia pass at Naples Pier in Naples on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.
Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News
Surfers use their boards to block the rain and wind as the outer bands of Hurricane Idalia pass at Naples Pier in Naples on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.
Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News
The outer bands of Hurricane Idalia sent surfers and sightseers at the Naples Pier running as the rain, wind and waves kicked up Tuesday afternoon.
Jonah Hinebaugh
Multiple vehicles traveled through a flooded Gulf Shore Boulevard South near the intersection of 13th Avenue South as an outer band from Hurricane Idalia passes.
Jonah Hinebaugh
Ivan Becerra ties up sand bags in Spring Hill, Fla. on Aug. 29, 2023 to help protect his home as Florida residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Idalia. The fast moving storm is forecast to make landfall on Wednesday, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
![Mike Suarez, right, uses a wheel chair to wheel David Harmon, center, into the special needs shelter at West Port High School Tuesday morning August 29, 2023 in Ocala, FL in preparation for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023](/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/08/29/NOSB/70709399007-oca-hurricane-idalia-17.JPG?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Mike Suarez, right, uses a wheel chair to wheel David Harmon, center, into the special needs shelter at West Port High School Tuesday morning August 29, 2023 in Ocala, FL in preparation for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023
Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner
People gather sand bags in Spring Hill, Fla. on Aug. 29, 2023 as the Gulf Coast of Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Idalia.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
![Marion County Animal Control Officers Sydney Watson, left and Faith Ballard, right, place waste bags on the front of 55 kennels set up for dogs at Lake Weir High School Tuesday morning August 29, 2023 in Ocala, FL in preparation for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival. MCAC had set up 55 kennels but had room fro a total of 470 pets. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023](/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/08/29/NOSB/70709356007-oca-hurricane-idalia-09.JPG?width=660&height=411&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Marion County Animal Control Officers Sydney Watson, left and Faith Ballard, right, place waste bags on the front of 55 kennels set up for dogs at Lake Weir High School Tuesday morning August 29, 2023 in Ocala, FL in preparation for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival. MCAC had set up 55 kennels but had room fro a total of 470 pets. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023
Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner
![Marion County Public Schools Tech Services employee Jimmy Johns lowers hurricane shutters on West Port High School as people were arriving at area shelters Tuesday morning August 29, 2023 in Ocala, FL in preparation for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival. Vanguard High School was set up for both a human shelter and a shelter for pets along with Lake Weir High School. People were filling bags with sand at the Dunnellon Public Works site on Bostick Street. Monday, Dunnellon had filled 1500 bags while on Tuesday that had given out 2500 bags by noon. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023](/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/08/29/NOSB/70709350007-oca-hurricane-idalia-05.JPG?width=660&height=458&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Marion County Public Schools Tech Services employee Jimmy Johns lowers hurricane shutters on West Port High School as people were arriving at area shelters Tuesday morning August 29, 2023 in Ocala, FL in preparation for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival. Vanguard High School was set up for both a human shelter and a shelter for pets along with Lake Weir High School. People were filling bags with sand at the Dunnellon Public Works site on Bostick Street. Monday, Dunnellon had filled 1500 bags while on Tuesday that had given out 2500 bags by noon. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023
Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner
People gather sand bags in Spring Hill, Fla. on Aug. 29, 2023 as the Gulf Coast of Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Idalia.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
Gas pumps are bagged due to a lack of gas at the 7 Eleven store at the corner of Drane Field Road and Aitport Road ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia forming into a hurricane in Lakeland Fl. Tuesday August 29,2023. Ernst Peters/The Ledger
Ernst Peters/The Ledger
Tisha McFarland and her 8-year-old daughter Maddie gather sand bags in Spring Hill, Fla. on Aug. 29, 2023 to help protect their new home which was completed in June.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
Tallahassee residents fill sandbags as they prepare for the worst with Hurricane Idalia heading towards Florida on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.
Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Visitors to the Southernmost Point buoy brave the waves for a few cell phone photos as Hurricane Idalia passes the Florida Keys some 175 miles to the west, on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023 in Key West, Fla. Much of Florida was in disaster mode on Tuesday with only hours to go before an onslaught from Idalia, forecast to strengthen rapidly into “an extremely dangerous major hurricane” before hitting the Gulf Coast on Wednesday.
Rob O’Neal, The Key West Citizen Via AP
Tlarissa Robinson loads up supplies as she prepares for the worst with Hurricane Idalia heading towards Florida on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.
Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Vinell Chambers (L) and Antonio Floyd fill sandbags at the Helen S. Howarth Community Park ahead of the possible arrival of Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 29, 2023 in Pinellas Park, Fla.. Hurricane Idalia is forecast to make landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday morning.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Polk County employee Matt Wright loads sandbags into a car at the Polk County Roadway Maintenance facility at 8970 N Campbell Road in Lakeland Fl. Monday August 23,2023.
Ernst Peters,The Ledger Via USA TODAY NETWORK
An emotional Christine Willis, a Fort Myers Beach resident prepares to leave the beach in anticipation of the approach of Tropical Storm Idalia on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Her home was destroyed in Hurricane Ian and she and her husband, Dewitt lost everything. They said they are not taking any chances and leaving to stay in a hotel until the storm passes.
Andrew West, The News-Press Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Nelson Morales fills gas tanks at a Race Trac in Fort Myers in anticipation of Tropical Storm Idalia on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
Andrew West, The News-Press Via USA TODAY NETWORK
John Hines, owner of Sweet Magnolia Inn in St. Marks, Florida, prepares for Tropical Storm Idalia by placing sandbags in the doorways to his bed and breakfast Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Brooke Painter loads personal items into a van as she and her family evacuate their vacation rental ahead of the possible arrival of Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 28, 2023 in Tampa, Fla. Tropical Storm Idalia is nearing hurricane strength and is forecast to become a hurricane as it tracks toward the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Josiah Wetmore directs traffic at the Costco gas pumps in Fort Myers as residents prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
Amanda Inscore, The News-Press Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Paul “Bruiser”Jungwirth, an employee of JPS Vacation Rentals secures items at a home on Fort Myers Beach, Florida on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Hurricane Idalia is approaching the state and is expected to be a hurricane by landfall. He said a lot of the homes that were represented by the company are now destroyed due to Hurricane Ian from last year. He says only a couple of homes are left.
Andrew West, The News-Press Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Ernestine Williams uses a shovel to fill a bag with sand at the Belleview Sportsplex as people were preparing for Tropical Storm Idalia Monday August 28, 2023. They were allowing just 10 bags per house hold.
Doug Engle, Ocala Star-Banner Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Home Depot employee Sharon Walsh fills a cart with cases of water while moving them to the front door. People were preparing for Tropical Storm Idalia Monday August 28, 2023 in Ocala, Fla.
Doug Engle, Ocala Star-Banner Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Doreena Gonzalez of Bradenton loads sandbags at a self-serve station at Pride Park in Bradenton on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Residents are preparing for Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane.
Dan Wagner/Herald-Tribune, Herald-Tribune Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Kaitlin Storm piles bags of sand in the back of her pick up truck at the Belleview Sportsplex as people were preparing for Tropical Storm Idalia Monday August 28, 2023 in Belleview and Ocala, Fla.
Doug Engle, Ocala Star-Banner Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Ron Albritton of Belleview, Fla. fills his gas cans with fuel while preparing for Tropical Storm Idalia Monday August 28, 2023 in Belleview, Fla. at the RaceTrac. Albritton said that he lost power for over a week when Irma hit. He was gassing up incase he had to run his generator.
Doug Engle, Ocala Star-Banner Via USA TODAY NETWORK
David Keliiheleua loads up his boat at Shields Marina located in St. Marks, Fla., and moves it to higher ground in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Members of the Tampa, Fla., Parks and Recreation Dept., help residents load sandbags Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Residents along Florida’s gulf coast are making preparations for the effects of Tropical Storm Idalia.
Chris O’Meara, AP
David Fuentes, 34, loads sandbags onto a truck bed, ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia’s arrival, at MacFarlane Park in Tampa on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
Tampa Bay Times Via AP
Garry Sears, 78, collects fallen pecans from his pecan tree on Monday, Aug 28, 2023, near his collectible 1953 Ford sedan which he has elevated to keep out of storm surge. Sears, who said he had four inches of water in his Florida room during Tropical Storm Eta, in November 2020, is anticipating as much surge from Tropical Storm Idalia which intensified early Monday and is expected to become a major hurricane before it reaches Florida’s Gulf coast.
Douglas R. Clifford, Tampa Bay Times Via AP
Motorists wait in line during sandbag distribution, ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia’s arrival, at MacFarlane Park in Tampa, Fla., Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
Ivy Ceballo, Tampa Bay Times Via AP
A student carries bags at Eckerd College, where students are being evacuated in preparation of Tropical Storm Idalia, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Martha Asencio-Rhine, Tampa Bay Times Via AP
Members of the Tampa, Fla., Parks and Recreation Dept., help residents with sandbags Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Residents along Florida’s gulf coast are making preparations for the effects of Tropical Storm Idalia.
Chris O’Meara, AP
Members of the Tampa Parks and Recreation Dept., help residents with sandbags Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Residents along Florida’s gulf coast are making preparations for the effects of Tropical Storm Idalia.
Chris O’Meara, AP