Idalia exits Georgia as tropical storm, forecast to move northeast into Atlantic

Former Hurricane Idalia is on the move. It’s heading northeast at 21 mph and, as of 11 p.m., is now in Georgia according to the National Hurricane Center.

It has been lowered to tropical storm status with 60 mph maximum sustained winds.

Idalia made landfall in Florida at 7:45 a.m., Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. This is largest and strongest storm to hit the Big Bend coast in Florida history. The video below comes from Steinhatchee, south of where the eye came on shore.

Storm surge associated with Idalia is expected to have reached 16 feet in some areas of the Big Bend when it first hit Florida.

In Southwest Florida, storm surge and localized flooding affected the area.

All watches and warnings have expired, as of 11 p.m.

National Hurricane Center discussion:

Although Idalia reached category 4 intensity early this morning over the far northeastern Gulf of Mexico, Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter data just before landfall indicated that the peak winds had started to decrease and the minimum pressure had begun to rise. This was likely due to an eyewall replacement cycle and an increase in shear over the hurricane. Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach, Florida, as a category 3 hurricane around 7:45 AM eastern, and it has been weakening quickly since then over northern Florida. For the full discussion, click here.

The Weather Authority will continue to give updates on Idalia throughout its cycle.