Warmer Waters Could Serve as ‘Rocket Fuel’ for Hurricane Idalia: Experts

Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region on Aug. 30, could top records in its intensification rate, hurricane experts have warned.

Reporters wade through flood waters as it inundates the downtown area after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore in Tarpon Springs, Fla., on Aug. 30, 2023. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region on Aug. 30, could top records in its intensification rate, hurricane experts have warned.

The hurricane eventually touched down as a Category 3 storm near Keaton Beach, along the Apalachee Bay, at around 7:45 a.m. ET, after experts had warned overnight it could intensify into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm.