By: Madison Beane

Just two weeks ago, Hurricane Hilary hit the west coast of the North American continent. It originally began as a category 4 hurricane, and as it hit landfall, became a tropical storm. However, a new destructive force has hit the United States coast. Hurricane Idalia, though a destructive force, is a Category 3 hurricane, and continues to cause chaos through the east coast of the United States. On August 30, at 7:50 am, Hurricane Idalia hit the Florida peninsula and began its path of destruction.

The first news of the hurricane began around August 28th. As of the afternoon of August 28, it began as a tropical storm in the Caribbean Sea. The hurricane was said to strengthen as it moved to the coast, becoming a major hurricane. According to the New York Times,” Hurricane Idalia was the 9th named storm to form in the Atlantic in 2023”.¹ In the predictions of the hurricane, the National Weather Center stated, “... forecast to become a dangerous major hurricane over the northeastern gulf of mexico by early Wednesday as it gained strength over Cuba.”² Otherwise, the hurricane was predicted to be damaging and the states on the east coast prepared for the hurricane to hit.

On August 30, at 7:50 am, Hurricane Idalia began its journey across the east coast on the peninsula of Florida. When it hit, it was recorded as a Category 3 hurricane, and sustained 125 mph winds. Over August 31st and September 1st, the hurricane has slowed, with winds sustained at 50 mph. Precipitation has reached a maximum of 10 inches, and it continues to pour over the states. On the 28th of August, before the hurricane reached landfall, families and citizens were evacuated to prepare for the destruction. From NBC News, “Higher education in the Tampa area will pause this week as three schools announced cancellations today. The University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and Hillsborough Community College all announced closures for tomorrow and Wednesday. With campuses in St. Petersburg, USF said on its site that it is also assessing evacuation orders for Pinellas County. Residential students in St. Petersburg without alternative housing will be relocated to the Tampa campus. ‘If the Tampa campus is required to evacuate, students remaining on campus would be transported to approved county shelters until it is safe to return,’ the school said.”³ The evacuation saved many, as power outages, flooding, and building destruction continued to occur.

Though the storm continues to create a path of destruction, the predicted damage helped to save many lives. Although no injury counts have been made, previous measures placed can help in reducing future numbers. The storm has stayed steady at a Category 3, with moderately low winds, and high precipitation levels. News media continue to cover this new natural force, and its goal is to destroy and ruin everything in its path.