Hurricane Idalia steamed toward Florida’s Big Bend region as a dangerous Category 4 storm Wednesday morning, threatening deadly storm surges and destructive winds in an area not accustomed to such pummeling.
Florida residents living in vulnerable coastal areas were ordered to pack up and leave as Idalia gained strength in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. And those who didn’t were warned to find a safe place while the storm moves through.
“Don’t put your life at risk by doing anything dumb at this point,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Wednesday morning. “This thing’s powerful. If you’re inside, just hunker down until it gets past you.”
Idalia was projected to come ashore with sustained winds of at least 130 mph (209 kph) in the lightly populated Big Bend region, where the Florida Panhandle curves into the peninsula. Storm surge could rise as high as 15 feet (4.5 meters) in some places.
HEALTH
Why Extreme Heat Can Make You More Irritable, Anxious, and Angry, According to Science
New Study Finds Ultra-Processed Foods May Raise Colon Cancer Risk in Younger Adults by 45%
Why You May Not Feel Thirsty During Los Angeles’ Hot Weather, and Why It Still Matters
IMMIGRATION
After a Week of Major Immigration Rulings, What Can Actually Change and What Can’t?
BUSINESS
Why More Los Angeles Small Businesses Are Turning to AI to Save Time, Cut Costs, and Stay Afloat
SoFi Enters Small Business Lending. Here’s Why More Companies Are Competing for Entrepreneurs
Best Banks for Small Businesses in 2026: Which Institutions Actually Help Owners Manage Cash Flow?
Los Angeles Businesses Will Eventually Need Cleaner Water Heaters. Here’s What the Court Ruling Means