Hurricane Italia brings rain and strong winds to Florida

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned residents Tuesday Inland Districts Italia will also feel the effects of the hurricane.

“This storm is going to hit inland counties, especially in northern Florida, where you’re going to see significant impacts,” DeSantis said at a storm briefing Tuesday, adding that the southern part of the state is already beginning to feel the storm’s effects.

According to DeSantis, west of the Florida counties Projection Cone Storm preparations should also be made in case of a westerly change in Italia’s track.

DeSantis announced the expansion of the executive order Tuesday morning to cover 49 counties, which now include Brevard, Orange and Osceola counties.

“So you know, the top of the state within Central Florida, maybe excluding some of the far western Panhandle counties, but there are a lot of counties that are going to feel the impacts of this, and we want to make sure they can do what they need to do,” he said.

DeSantis urged people in coastal areas, barrier islands and low-lying areas to heed evacuation orders and travel to higher ground.

“But some of these areas, like Cedar Key, some of the Big Bend, you know you’re talking about a really significant storm surge potential. I mean, it’s very similar — 10 to 12 storm surge potential in some areas, and … for that you have “You’re not going to win that battle if you decide to stay behind,” he said.

According to DeSantis, 25,000 linemen are standing by to respond to power outages after the storm, and by the end of Tuesday, that number will grow to more than 40,000, with some workers coming from the Midwest and Southeast.

DeSantis warned residents to be aware of standing water, downed power lines and downed trees once Idalia hits.

“It’s going to hit and it’s going to do damage,” DeSantis said.