Hurricane Idalia Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 storm, made landfall around 7:45 a.m. ET August 30 along Florida’s Big Bend, near Keaton Beach with life-threatening winds of 125 mph and a dangerous storm surge. Though the Big Bend area is sparsely populated, the hurricane’s effects extended across much of northern Florida. More than a dozen coastal communities were under evacuation orders, including some hit by Hurricane Ian just 11 months ago. The storm moved into Georgia and the Carolinas with dangerous winds, rain and tornadoes. President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide support and federal funding for the recovery. Many thousands have been without power and significant flooding and wind damage is reported. Between Florida and Georgia, damage estimates are continuing but are anticipated to fall between $12 and $20 billion in total damage. Though the damage has been less than originally feared, the storm has devastated coastal communities and will take years to recover. Many of the hardest hit communities were already suffering from limited to no medical access within the county with most medical care being provided out of Gainesville (often a multi-hour drive for patients) which had limited impacts from the hurricane. Prior to Idalia making landfall and recognizing the potential magnitude of disruption to healthcare services, our Emergency Team proactively contacted nearly 450 partner clinics in the affected states to offer support before the team arrived in Florida. Americares is prepared to send hygiene kits, first aid supplies and other critically needed medicines and relief supplies to help meet the health needs of storm survivors, as well as emergency funding to help restore health services in affected communities. For the latest update on our response to Hurricane Idalia, click on the large arrow above or the video image below. Updated on 9.5.23