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Weather map with storm »Idalia« (from 28 August)

Photo: NOAA / via REUTERS

The U.S. state of Florida is gearing up for the arrival of a hurricane. The tropical storm "Idalia", whose center is currently southwest of Cuba and moves from there northwards, is expected to develop into a hurricane, according to the U.S. hurricane center NHC. It is expected that "Idalia" will make landfall on Wednesday morning (local time) as a category three hurricane (of five) on Florida's west coast, the hurricane center said.

Hurricane and storm surge warnings have been issued for parts of the coast. In Tampa Bay, among other places, life-threatening flooding threatened as a result of the storm.

Hurricane-like winds and heavy rainfall were expected on Monday evening (local time) at the western tip of Cuba. These could lead to flash floods, floods and landslides, it said. The hurricane center also issued a warning for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio, where the strength of the storm was already approaching hurricane level on Monday evening (local time).

Florida residents should "now prepare for heavy rainfall, flooding and power outages," wrote the state's governor, Ron DeSantis, on Monday at the short message service X. The airport in Tampa announced that it would temporarily suspend flight operations from Tuesday due to "Idalia".

In some districts, people have already been asked to leave their homes. US President Joe Biden assured the state of full support. Heavy rains and storms are also expected inland and on the east coast of Florida.

California gets off lightly

Just recently, at the other end of the country, in the state of California, there had been capricious weather. According to initial assessments, the sunshine state got off rather lightly after the passage of Pacific tropical storm "Hilary". The preparations and warnings in the run-up to the storm had paid off, it was said by the civil protection authority.

A week ago, »Hilary« had brought torrential rain to the southwestern United States. Southern California, with its metropolises of San Diego and Los Angeles, was hit particularly hard. The storm, which is rare for the region, flooded roads and caused trees and power lines to fall. Record-breaking rainfall was recorded in several places. As a precautionary measure, the authorities had ordered the closure of schools, parks and other facilities.

jok/dpa