Category 3 storm causes extensive flooding in south-east US, while heavy rain and winds also hit France and Italy
On Wednesday Hurricane Idalia struck northern Florida, bringing damaging winds and torrential rain. It made landfall near Keaton Beach on Florida’s Big Bend during the morning as a high-end category 3 hurricane, bringing sustained winds speeds near 125mph (200km/h) and a storm surge of 16ft along Florida’s north-west coastline.
Due to very warm sea surface temperatures, the storm strengthened rapidly over the Gulf of Mexico to category 4 status, before weakening to category 3 as it made landfall. It brought extensive flooding as it passed through and damaged power lines, leaving thousands without electricity.
More Stories
Pornhub and three other adult websites face EU child safety investigation
Australia news live: Geelong overtakes Sunshine Coast as migration hotspot for Australians; air fares start to fall
Israeli troops open fire as aid group loses control of distribution centre