ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm Wednesday. It has since weakened into a tropical storm. Read live updates about its aftermath below:
The Orange County Convention Center is now serving as a staging area for the entire state following the impact of Idalia.
Eight teams made up of over 400 people are using the convention center as home base. They’re assessing damage locally and rescuing those hit hard by Idalia.
Gov. Ron DeSantis gave another update on Idalia earlier this evening.
Watch it in the video below:
6:40 p.m. update
Idalia has moved out of the state, but for some its impacts will be felt for a long time because of the dangerous storm surge, fierce winds and torrential rain.
See the sights and sounds of Idalia in the video below:
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5:25 p.m. update
The Orlando Utilities Commission said its crews are on their way to Tallahassee to help with power restoration efforts in the wake of Hurricane Idalia, which has since been downgraded to a tropical storm.
“We’re grateful that we can return the favor as the (City of Tallahassee Utilities) aided our community after Hurricane Ian,” OUC said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
After dealing with flooding and storm damage last year, Lake County avoided any major damage during Idalia.
Channel 9 spoke to the owner of the Lakeside Inn, who hosted line workers who were waiting to jump into action to help restore power. See their story in the video below:
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5 p.m. update
Idalia weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm Wednesday afternoon while moving over land.
The National Hurricane Center said the risk of flash flooding, storm surge and strong winds continues across portions of Georgia and the Carolinas.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will hold a news conference at 6 p.m., providing an update on Idalia’s aftermath.
You can watch it live on Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 6 or by clicking here once it begins.
Elsewhere in Florida, Hurricane Idalia caused significant damage to Cedar Key, as Channel 9′s Jeff Deal saw when he visited the area.
At Orlando International Airport, 53 flights were canceled as of Wednesday evening. Dozens of others were delayed.
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4 p.m. update
As of 3 p.m., Port Canaveral reopened with no restrictions following Hurricane Idalia.
3:40 p.m. update
Gov. Ron DeSantis provided an update on Hurricane Idalia and the response to the storm. Watch it in full below:
3 p.m. update
President Joe Biden is continuing his remarks about Hurricane Idalia and its impact on Florida.
Watch his remarks live on Channel 9 and by clicking here.
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A person rides a kayak through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Flooding in areas of Pasco County
Flooding in areas of Pasco County
Flooding in areas of Pasco County
Flooding in areas of Pasco County
Flooding in areas of Pasco County
Flooding in areas of Pasco County
Flooding in areas of Pasco County
Flooding in areas of Pasco County
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter wades through flood waters after having to evacuate her home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Steve Odom stands on the porch of his home that is surrounded by flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People ride an ATV through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A person canoes through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Tropical Weather Zeke Pierce rides his paddle board down the middle of a flooded Bayshore Blvd in downtown in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Hurricane Idalia steamed toward Florida’s Big Bend region Wednesday morning, threatening deadly storm surges and destructive winds in an area not accustomed to such pummeling. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Members of the Tampa Fire Rescue Dept., remove a street pole after large awnings from an apartment building blew off from winds associated with Hurricane Idalia Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Kyan Watson and her dog Brandon look out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding their house on August 30, 2023, in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images /Getty Images)
Tropical Weather Flood waters pushed by Hurricane Idalia pour over the sea wall along Old Tampa Bay as paddle boarder Zeke Pierce, of Tampa rides Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather A woman surveys the flooding on Bayshore Blvd., along Old Tampa Bay after winds from Hurricane Idalia pushed water over the sea wall Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Idalia Slams Into Florida's Gulf Coast MAYO, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People work to free a vehicle stuck on the shoulder amid storm debris as Hurricane Idalia crosses the state on August 30, 2023 near Mayo, Florida. The storm made landfall at Keaton Beach, Florida as Category 3 hurricane. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images /Getty Images)
Tropical Weather Members of the Tampa Fire Rescue Dept., remove a street pole after large awnings from an apartment building blew off from winds associated with Hurricane Idalia Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Zeke Pierce rides his paddle board down the middle of a flooded Bayshore Blvd in downtown in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Hurricane Idalia steamed toward Florida’s Big Bend region Wednesday morning, threatening deadly storm surges and destructive winds in an area not accustomed to such pummeling. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Ken Kruse looks out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding his apartment complex on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Cars sit in flood waters from Hurricane Idalia after it passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Tina Kruse looks out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding her apartment complex on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter (L) and her mother, Keiphra Line wade through flood waters after having to evacuate their home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A truck passes through flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People ride an ATV through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter (L) and her mother, Keiphra Line wade through flood waters after having to evacuate their home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter wades through flood waters after having to evacuate her home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People wade through flood waters from Hurricane Idalia after it passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A truck passes through flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia A boardwalk at the Clearwater Harbor Marina in Clearwater, Florida, is flooded by the rising tide on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia barreled into the northwest Florida coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Extremely dangerous Category 3 Hurricane #Idalia makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend," it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that Idalia was causing "catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia Palm trees at the Clearwater Harbor Marina in Clearwater, Florida, are pushed by the wind on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia barreled into the northwest Florida coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Extremely dangerous Category 3 Hurricane #Idalia makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend," it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that Idalia was causing "catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TOPSHOT - A boardwalk at the Clearwater Harbor Marina in Clearwater, Florida, is flooded by the rising tide on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia barreled into the northwest Florida coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Extremely dangerous Category 3 Hurricane #Idalia makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend," it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that Idalia was causing "catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Vehicles sit in a flooded street caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore surround a building on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST. PETERSBURG BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Vehicles pass along hwy 19 after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: In an aerial view, a fire is seen as flood waters inundate the downtown area after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A vehicle drives through flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Vehicles sit in a flooded street caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Reporters wade through flood waters as it inundates the downtown area after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Tropical-Weather This photo provided by FDOT shows flooded interstate 275 Over Tampa Bay, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. 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. (FDOT via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Weather In this photo taken with a drone, businesses are seen along 2nd Street in Cedar Key, Fla., ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Idalia, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. Several local residents said they planned to ride out the storm at the Cedar Inn Motel, with red roof, lower left. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Tropical Weather A resident drives his golf car over a bridge on Cedar Key, Fla., ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Idalia, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Flooding in Crystal River
Flooding in Crystal River
Flooding in Crystal River
Flooding in Crystal River
Flooding in Crystal River
Flooding in Crystal River
Hurricane Idalia Cedar Key
Hurricane Idalia Cedar Key
Hurricane Idalia
Hurricane Idalia Cedar Key
Hurricane Idalia Cedar Key
Hurricane Idalia Cedar Key
Hurricane Idalia
Hurricane Idalia
Flooding in Sarasota (Cynthia McLaughlin)
Flooding in Sarasota
Flooding in Sarasota
Flooding in Sarasota
Flooding in Sarasota
Flooding in Treasure Island
Flooding in Treasure Island
Flooding in Treasure Island
Flooding in Treasure Island
Flooding in Treasure Island
Flooding in areas of St. Pete Beach
Flooding in areas of St. Pete Beach
Flooding in areas of St. Pete Beach
Flooding in areas of St. Pete Beach
Flooding in areas of St. Pete Beach
Flooding in areas of St. Pete Beach
Flooding in areas of St. Pete Beach
Flooding in areas of St. Pete Beach
Flooding in areas of St. Pete Beach
Flooding in areas of Tampa
Flooding in areas of Tampa
Flooding in areas of Tampa
Flooding in areas of Tampa
Flooding in areas of Tampa
Flooding in areas of Tampa
Flooding in areas of Tampa
Flooding in Citrus County
Flooding and storm damage in areas of Manatee County
Flooding and storm damage in areas of Manatee County
Flooding and storm damage in areas of Manatee County
Flooding and storm damage in areas of Manatee County
Flooding and storm damage in areas of Manatee County
Flooding and storm damage in areas of Manatee County
Flooding and storm damage in areas of Manatee County
Flooding and storm damage in areas of Manatee County
Flooding and storm damage in areas of Manatee County
Flooding in areas of Hillsborough County
Flooding in areas of Hillsborough County
Flooding in areas of Hillsborough County
Flooding in areas of Hillsborough County
Flooding in areas of Hillsborough County
Many areas of Clearwater Beach are under water because of surge from Hurricane Idalia.
Many areas of Clearwater Beach are under water because of surge from Hurricane Idalia.
Many areas of Clearwater Beach are under water because of surge from Hurricane Idalia.
Many areas of Clearwater Beach are under water because of surge from Hurricane Idalia.
Many areas of Clearwater Beach are under water because of surge from Hurricane Idalia.
Many areas of Clearwater Beach are under water because of surge from Hurricane Idalia.
Flooding in Crystal River (WFTV)
Hurricane Idalia Merritt Island (Grace M. /Grace M.)
2:30 p.m. update
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said SunRail will resume operations Friday during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Demings said he was pleased that the county fared well in the storm.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will give an update on Hurricane Idalia’s aftermath at 12:30 p.m., and President Joe Biden will deliver remarks on the storm at 1:45 p.m. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings will also speak at 2 p.m. You can watch the events live on Channel 9 and by clicking here once they begin.
Have you safely captured photos or videos of the storm’s aftermath? You can send them to us by clicking here. They could end up on Channel 9.
As people in Florida deal with the storm’s aftermath, power outages remain a big concern.
It’s important to know what to do if the power goes out. Click here to read more.
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A store owner (who did not want to give his name) uses a sump pump to try to keep water out of his store after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia HUDSON, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: In an aerial view, a home smolders after burning as Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Hudson, Florida. Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend area as a Category 3 storm on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia HUDSON, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Rescue personnel walk through a flooded street after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Hudson, Florida. Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia HUDSON, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A rescue vehicle drives through a flooded street after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Hudson, Florida. Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: In an aerial view, a fire is seen as flood waters inundate the downtown area after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A person canoes through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Steve Odom stands on the porch of his home that is surrounded by flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter wades through flood waters after having to evacuate her home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People look out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding their apartment complex on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People ride an ATV through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Ken Kruse looks out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding his apartment complex on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Cars sit in flood waters from Hurricane Idalia after it passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Tina Kruse looks out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding her apartment complex on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter (L) and her mother, Keiphra Line wade through flood waters after having to evacuate their home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A truck passes through flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People ride an ATV through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A person rides a kayak through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter wades through flood waters after having to evacuate her home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A truck passes through flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter (L) and her mother, Keiphra Line wade through flood waters after having to evacuate their home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People wade through flood waters from Hurricane Idalia after it passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia Palm trees at the Clearwater Harbor Marina in Clearwater, Florida, are pushed by the wind on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia barreled into the northwest Florida coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Extremely dangerous Category 3 Hurricane #Idalia makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend," it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that Idalia was causing "catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia A boardwalk at the Clearwater Harbor Marina in Clearwater, Florida, is flooded by the rising tide on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia barreled into the northwest Florida coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Extremely dangerous Category 3 Hurricane #Idalia makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend," it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that Idalia was causing "catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TOPSHOT - A boardwalk at the Clearwater Harbor Marina in Clearwater, Florida, is flooded by the rising tide on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia barreled into the northwest Florida coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Extremely dangerous Category 3 Hurricane #Idalia makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend," it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that Idalia was causing "catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: In an aerial view, a fire is seen as flood waters inundate the downtown area after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore surround a building on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Vehicles sit in a flooded street caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Vehicles sit in a flooded street caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A vehicle drives through flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST. PETERSBURG BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Vehicles pass along hwy 19 after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Reporters wade through flood waters as it inundates the downtown area after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Tropical-Weather This photo provided by FDOT shows flooded interstate 275 Over Tampa Bay, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. 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. (FDOT via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Weather Zeke Pierce rides his paddle board down the middle of a flooded Bayshore Blvd in downtown in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Hurricane Idalia steamed toward Florida’s Big Bend region Wednesday morning, threatening deadly storm surges and destructive winds in an area not accustomed to such pummeling. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Members of the Tampa Fire Rescue Dept., remove a street pole after large awnings from an apartment building blew off from winds associated with Hurricane Idalia Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Kyan Watson and her dog Brandon look out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding their house on August 30, 2023, in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images /Getty Images)
Tropical Weather Flood waters pushed by Hurricane Idalia pour over the sea wall along Old Tampa Bay as paddle boarder Zeke Pierce, of Tampa rides Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Members of the Tampa Fire Rescue Dept., remove a street pole after large awnings from an apartment building blew off from winds associated with Hurricane Idalia Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Zeke Pierce rides his paddle board down the middle of a flooded Bayshore Blvd in downtown in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Hurricane Idalia steamed toward Florida’s Big Bend region Wednesday morning, threatening deadly storm surges and destructive winds in an area not accustomed to such pummeling. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical-Weather This image provided by NOAA shows shows Hurricane Idalia over Florida's Gulf Coast on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. (NOAA via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Hurricane Idalia Stephanie Foley, 41, holds up a photograph of her grandfather, once the town's mayor, which she found in the wreckage of an old house which had served as a base for her father's crabbing business until being destroyed in Hurricane Idalia, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. Foley described Horseshoe Beach as a closely knit community where folks don't feel they have to lock their doors and you can go fishing anytime you want. But she fears that the traits that make the place special could vanish, with rebuilding prohibitively expensive for many of the longterm residents, and some new residents trying to change the character of the town away from one based on making a living on the water.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
10:40 a.m. update
Channel 9′s Shannon Butler is seeing major flooding in Crystal River, Florida, left behind in Hurricane Idalia’s wake.
The floodwaters have submerged roadways, but that hasn’t stopped motorists from driving through flooded streets.
Elsewhere in Central Florida, Flagler County has rescinded the evacuation order it issued Tuesday afternoon for those living in mobile or manufactured homes, RVs and unsafe structures.
Officials there said they have also started the process of closing the emergency shelter at Rymfire Elementary School.
“We nevertheless urge residents to use caution,” Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said. “We will still be having some tropical storm-like conditions, but they are not as intense as initially anticipated.”
The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority said that as of 9 a.m. all LYNX fixed route and NeighborLink services have started to serve customers using a regular weekday schedule.
Officials said there could be minor delays as the bus system ramps back up to full service by 11 a.m.
The agency said ACCESS LYNX will offer life-sustaining trips only Wednesday and that the paratransit provider will return to full service with a reservation Thursday. Customers are asked to make their appointment as soon as possible.
The LYNX Customer Service Window will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
9:13 a.m. update
Widespread flooding has been reported on Anna Maria Island in Manatee County.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office posted photos on Facebook showing streets and homes flooded by Hurricane Idalia.
Deputies said the Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue bridges are closed to the island.
Click here or scroll below to see photos of flooding throughout Florida.
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A store owner (who did not want to give his name) uses a sump pump to try to keep water out of his store after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia HUDSON, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: In an aerial view, a home smolders after burning as Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Hudson, Florida. Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend area as a Category 3 storm on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia HUDSON, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Rescue personnel walk through a flooded street after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Hudson, Florida. Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia HUDSON, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A rescue vehicle drives through a flooded street after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Hudson, Florida. Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: In an aerial view, a fire is seen as flood waters inundate the downtown area after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A person canoes through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Steve Odom stands on the porch of his home that is surrounded by flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter wades through flood waters after having to evacuate her home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People look out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding their apartment complex on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People ride an ATV through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Ken Kruse looks out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding his apartment complex on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Cars sit in flood waters from Hurricane Idalia after it passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Tina Kruse looks out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding her apartment complex on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter (L) and her mother, Keiphra Line wade through flood waters after having to evacuate their home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A truck passes through flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People ride an ATV through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A person rides a kayak through the flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter wades through flood waters after having to evacuate her home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A truck passes through flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Makatla Ritchter (L) and her mother, Keiphra Line wade through flood waters after having to evacuate their home when the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: People wade through flood waters from Hurricane Idalia after it passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia Palm trees at the Clearwater Harbor Marina in Clearwater, Florida, are pushed by the wind on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia barreled into the northwest Florida coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Extremely dangerous Category 3 Hurricane #Idalia makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend," it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that Idalia was causing "catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia A boardwalk at the Clearwater Harbor Marina in Clearwater, Florida, is flooded by the rising tide on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia barreled into the northwest Florida coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Extremely dangerous Category 3 Hurricane #Idalia makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend," it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that Idalia was causing "catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TOPSHOT - A boardwalk at the Clearwater Harbor Marina in Clearwater, Florida, is flooded by the rising tide on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia barreled into the northwest Florida coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. "Extremely dangerous Category 3 Hurricane #Idalia makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend," it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that Idalia was causing "catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: In an aerial view, a fire is seen as flood waters inundate the downtown area after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore surround a building on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Vehicles sit in a flooded street caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Vehicles sit in a flooded street caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: A vehicle drives through flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia ST. PETERSBURG BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Vehicles pass along hwy 19 after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Reporters wade through flood waters as it inundates the downtown area after Hurricane Idalia passed offshore on August 30, 2023 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Tropical-Weather This photo provided by FDOT shows flooded interstate 275 Over Tampa Bay, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. 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. (FDOT via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Weather Zeke Pierce rides his paddle board down the middle of a flooded Bayshore Blvd in downtown in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Hurricane Idalia steamed toward Florida’s Big Bend region Wednesday morning, threatening deadly storm surges and destructive winds in an area not accustomed to such pummeling. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Members of the Tampa Fire Rescue Dept., remove a street pole after large awnings from an apartment building blew off from winds associated with Hurricane Idalia Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Idalia TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Kyan Watson and her dog Brandon look out at the flood waters from Hurricane Idalia surrounding their house on August 30, 2023, in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images /Getty Images)
Tropical Weather Flood waters pushed by Hurricane Idalia pour over the sea wall along Old Tampa Bay as paddle boarder Zeke Pierce, of Tampa rides Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Members of the Tampa Fire Rescue Dept., remove a street pole after large awnings from an apartment building blew off from winds associated with Hurricane Idalia Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Idalia made landfall earlier this morning along the Big Bend of the state. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Zeke Pierce rides his paddle board down the middle of a flooded Bayshore Blvd in downtown in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Hurricane Idalia steamed toward Florida’s Big Bend region Wednesday morning, threatening deadly storm surges and destructive winds in an area not accustomed to such pummeling. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical-Weather This image provided by NOAA shows shows Hurricane Idalia over Florida's Gulf Coast on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. (NOAA via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Hurricane Idalia Stephanie Foley, 41, holds up a photograph of her grandfather, once the town's mayor, which she found in the wreckage of an old house which had served as a base for her father's crabbing business until being destroyed in Hurricane Idalia, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. Foley described Horseshoe Beach as a closely knit community where folks don't feel they have to lock their doors and you can go fishing anytime you want. But she fears that the traits that make the place special could vanish, with rebuilding prohibitively expensive for many of the longterm residents, and some new residents trying to change the character of the town away from one based on making a living on the water.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
8:40 a.m. update
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office shared several images showing street flooding.
Officials are warning residents to not venture out into the floodwaters.
Several places in North Florida are reporting major flooding from Hurricane Idalia.
7:55 a.m. update
Hurricane Idalia has made landfall as a powerful Category 3 storm.
Landfall has been reported near Keaton Beach in Taylor County.
WFTV has live coverage of Hurricane Idalia on Channel 9 and TV 27.
7:15 a.m. update
NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft confirmed Hurricane Idalia has slightly downgraded and is now back to Category 3 status.
Idalia now has maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.
Idalia has yet to make landfall and is projected to come ashore near Keaton Beach in Taylor County.
6:59 a.m. update
A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Marion County.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Ocala, Santos and Shady.
The warning is expected to last until 7:30 a.m.
6:05 a.m. update
A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Polk County.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Lake Wales, Avon Park and Frostproof.
The warning is expected to last until 6:30 a.m.
5:55 a.m. update
Gov. Ron DeSantis is planning to hold a news conference Wednesday morning.
The governor is planning to speak around 6:30 a.m. from the Florida Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
Idalia has strengthened into a major Category 3 hurricane.
Forecast data shows Idalia could continue to gain strength and reach Category 4 status before making landfall.
1:55 a.m. update
A tornado warning has been issued for Polk County until 2 a.m.
1:20 a.m. update
Hurricane Idalia is producing storm conditions along the west coast of Florida. Catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds are expected in the Big Bend area, according to the National Hurricane Center.
12:05 a.m. update
Hurricane Idalia is now forecast to make landfall as an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm early Wednesday near Perry, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
The National Hurricane Center said Idalia will cause catastrophic storm surge inundation of 12 to 16 feet above ground level in Florida’s Big Bend region.