The 24 hour time lapse above shows Hurricane Idalia’s rapid intensification prior to making landfall in Florida. (CSU/CIRA & NOAA)

Tropical Depression 10 formed over the Yucatan Channel on August 26, 2023 and remained nearly stationary over the region for a few days. During this time, the depression strengthened to a tropical storm, given the name Idalia on August 27th. Tropical Storm Idalia started its turn to the north on August 29, entering the Southeast Gulf of Mexico where it strengthened to a hurricane. Over the next 24 hours, Idalia rapidly intensified as it quickly traveled north through the Gulf. On the morning of August 30, Idalia strengthened to a 130 mph Category 4 hurricane. Just prior to landfall, Idalia underwent an eyewall replacement cycle which resulted in a slight decrease in winds as a new eyewall attempted to develop. Idalia made landfall on the southeast Florida Big Bend coast near Keaton Beach as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph. Idalia produced an estimated storm surge of 8-12 feet, tornadoes, and flooding rains from the Florida coast up into Georgia and the Carolinas.