Georgia, Carolinas declare states of emergency as Hurricane Idalia nears Florida

Four states have declared states of emergency due to Hurricane Idalia which has grown in strength as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida.

Idalia strengthened to a Category 2 storm Tuesday and could make landfall as a major hurricane Wednesday with winds in excess of 110 mph. The treacherous hurricane is also forecast to drive a potentially deadly storm surge to the Big Bend area of Florida's west coast.

By Tuesday afternoon, Idalia was located about 195 miles southwest of Tampa with winds of 100 mph.

Officials issued a hurricane warning along hundreds of miles of Florida coastline as the storm nears landfall. Florida has declared a state of emergency for 49 counties and Gov, Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that three additional counties, Brevard, Orange and Osceola, were added to the declaration.

Neighboring states Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have already declared states of emergency. Heavy rain is expected to continue into Thursday throughout the region, prompting concerns about flash flooding in some areas.

What is a storm surge?:Florida is on storm surge watch as Idalia grows stronger

Idalia forecast to hit southeast Georgia after crossing Florida

After making landfall along the western coast of Florida, Hurricane Idalia is forecast to move northeast across the state and into the southeastern part of Georgia, according to the latest model from the NWS.

The hurricane center said Idalia is expected to bring flash flooding to southern Georgia through Thursday.

Savannah, Georgia has at least a 40% chance of flooding, according to National Weather Service in Charleston.

North Carolina's main concern with Idalia is flash flooding

Flash Flooding remains North Carolina's primary concern for "the area's with heaviest rainfall totals from from Raleigh, south and east," according to the NWS.

The weather service also forecasts winds from 25 to 40 mph and the threat for possible tornadoes.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, declared the emergency Monday and in a statement from his office said it was “to activate the state’s emergency operations plan, waive transportation rules to help the transport of fuel and critical supplies and services, help first responders and assist the agriculture industry to prepare in advance for inclement weather and protect consumers from price gouging. ”

"It is important for North Carolinians to gather emergency kits and prepare for the storm before it’s too late. We also want to make sure our farmers are able to protect their crops," Cooper wrote.

Hurricane watch in effect for South Carolina after declared state of emergency

The weather service reported a hurricane watch in effect along the Georgia coast that stretches up to Edisto Beach, South Carolina. Charleston County, as of Tuesday evening, was excluded from the watch.

South Carolina also declared a state of emergency Tuesday ahead of potential impacts caused by Idalia. Gov. Henry McMaster warned that residents should take precautions despite the state likely missing the "worst of Hurricane Idalia’s impacts."

"I have declared a State of Emergency out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we have the necessary resources in place to respond to flooding events and are able to respond quickly if the forecast worsens," McMaster wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The NWS said a flood watch in southeast South Carolina will be in effect through Wednesday.

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Idalia to bring light rain and 30 mph wind gusts to southeast Alabama

The southeastern parts of Alabama will face widespread rain and heavy winds Wednesday as Hurricane Idalia moves inland. Dothan and Ozark, just north of the Florida border, could see wind gusts up to 30 mph.

The worst of Idalia is forecast to miss central Alabama but its proximity to southeastern parts of the state are expected to bring heavy rain and wind to the area.

Track Hurricane Idalia's path