Near Keaton Beach, Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region, affecting Cedar Key as well. The storm made landfall early on Wednesday with winds as high as 125 mph. Southeast of Tallahassee and north of Tampa lies the Big Bend region. According to the National Hurricane Center, this is the first significant hurricane to hit the Big Bend region since Hurricane Easy in 1950.
Sadly, Cedar Key, a small island in Florida’s Big Bend, has come to represent the full destructive power of Hurricane Idalia in viral videos. These heartbreaking videos document the scenes of storm surges engulfing homes and leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Incredible #Idalia storm surge 6’ and counting here at Cedar Key, FL pic.twitter.com/8MzaHJpWce
— Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) August 30, 2023
Storm surge causing structural damage and blowing out the doors of condo complex in Cedar Key, FL from Hurricane Idalia @accuweather pic.twitter.com/WAJgBtZtku
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerUSA) August 30, 2023
Major storm surge in Cedar Key, FL from Hurricane Idalia pic.twitter.com/IP9Bk0ourv
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerUSA) August 30, 2023
Water as far as the eye can see! #Idalia Cedar Key, FL pic.twitter.com/7D6rXfMMax
— Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) August 30, 2023
Cedar Key at 5:03 AM just before the power went out and we couldn’t see anymore from the remote cam. @foxweather pic.twitter.com/W3KHj17TL0
— Mark Sudduth (@hurricanetrack) August 30, 2023
Alligator hunting, tarpon fishing, and scallop hunting are just a few of the area’s natural attractions. Considering that no major hurricane has ever before in recorded history passed through the bay next to the Big Bend region, Hurricane Idalia’s landfall was regarded as an unprecedented occurrence. Strong winds and a storm surge of up to 15 feet were expected as a result of the storm’s impact, which also affected Gainesville, where the University of Florida canceled classes.
President Joe Biden coordinated a response to the storm’s potential effects with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials. Despite the advice to leave, some locals, including Andy Bair, proprietor of Cedar Key’s Island Hotel, opted to stay and safeguard their properties.
The region’s natural tranquility was disturbed by Hurricane Idalia, testing its resilience. The resilience of the locals and the pristine beauty of the region endure despite the storm’s effects.
Read more: Hurricane Idalia: Seaside Resort in Fort Myers Beach temporarily shuts down due to roof damage