An intense storm, known as Idalia, struck Keaton Beach, Florida on Wednesday morning, causing significant damage with its powerful winds and heavy rain. The hurricane, initially identified as a Category 4 storm, rapidly intensified before making landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with wind speeds reaching 125 miles per hour. However, within an hour after hitting Keaton Beach, meteorologists downgraded Idalia to a Category 2 storm as its winds weakened to 110 mph. Further weakening occurred, and by 10 a.m. ET, the hurricane's maximum sustained winds were recorded at 105 mph. Reports indicated that the storm had already brought damaging winds and widespread flooding to the Big Bend region, where the Florida peninsula meets the panhandle. Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach, around 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida. The National Hurricane Center warned of a life-threatening storm surge of up to 16 feet in some areas, causing concerns for coastal communities along the Gulf Coast. Flash flood warnings were also issued for parts of northwestern Florida and southern Georgia. Following the landfall, Idalia is expected to continue moving northeastward, impacting northern and central regions of Florida. High winds, heavy rain, and storm surge are anticipated. In the morning, water levels along the Steinhatchee River rose significantly due to the storm. Meteorologists have highlighted the unprecedented nature of Idalia's landfall in the Apalachee Bay area. As the storm progresses, it is projected to move across southeast Georgia and the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina before heading out to sea. The duration and intensity of Idalia's impact remain uncertain. However, the National Hurricane Center advises that areas within the storm's path should anticipate potentially devastating winds, dangerous storm surge, and the possibility of prolonged power and water outages. Please stay informed about the latest updates and heed the advice of local authorities to ensure your safety during this severe weather event.