What to do if you have a trip planned for Florida as Hurricane Idalia takes aim

29.08.2023 - 16:37 / thepointsguy.com / Ron Desantis

Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall in Florida early Wednesday, potentially leading to power outages, wind damage and flooding as it moves inland.

The storm, which was strengthening Tuesday after skirting western Cuba on Monday, is expected to approach Florida as a Category 3 storm. Landfall is expected to come along the state's Gulf Coast between Tallahassee and Tampa. Still, the interior of the state will be affected, with flooding and wind damage possible for much of central and northern Florida. As the storm moves north toward Georgia and the Carolinas, similar threats could affect those areas through the end of the week.

While Hurricane Idalia's arrival comes as the typical hurricane season increases the risk of storms, summer is a popular time for vacationers to visit Florida's theme parks and beaches as well as to depart on cruises. With so many travelers visiting Florida daily, TPG compiled a guide on what you should do if you have travel planned to Florida this week.

While Florida's tourist marketing corporation, known as Visit Florida, has not released an advisory against traveling to Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis did declare a state of emergency in 46 of 47 Florida counties. Florida's Gulf Coast is expected to be most affected by Hurricane Idalia, but DeSantis warned that the storm could affect low-lying areas beyond where the storm makes landfall.

"This is likely going to cut across the interior of the state," DeSantis said in a press conference Monday.

Those in Florida can expect heavy rain and winds as high as 115 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center described Hurricane Idalia as having a "Life-Threatening Storm Surge" with "Dangerous Winds." Residents in the path of the hurricane should also be prepared to lose power, DeSantis said at the press conference.

"If you're in a vulnerable area, you evacuate to higher ground in a safe structure," DeSantis said at the press conference, offering advice to residents that visitors may also want to heed if they've not left before the storm.

In response to the hurricane, Florida officials have also deployed emergency utility crews and 2,500 Florida National Guard members who will bring planes and high-rescue water vehicles, according to Politico.

Despite the lack of travel advisories, travelers may want to reconsider travel to Florida since Hurricane Idalia is expected to have potentially severe conditions once it makes landfall Wednesday. More advisories and evacuation orders are possible as the storm nears.

Most major U.S. airlines have posted advisories for travel to Florida and other portions of the Southeastern U.S. that may be affected by heavy rain from Hurricane Idalia. Check your airline's website to see which flights have