Florida Braces for 15-Foot Storm Surge From Hurricane Idalia

'Run from the water, then hide from the wind'

Members of the Tampa, Fla., Parks and Recreation Department help residents load sandbags in Tampa, Fla., on Aug. 28, 2023. Chris O'Meara/AP Photo

As Floridians all along the Gulf Coast braced for the arrival of Hurricane Idalia, they were warned of catastrophic wind, rain, and storm surges.

The National Hurricane Center’s 5:00 p.m. advisory on Tuesday, Aug. 29, stated that the now-Category 2 storm will raise sea levels in coastal areas and river levels by as much as 15 feet. Local officials warned their residents that the situation could get worse with the storm’s possible alignment with the ongoing king tide.