Idalia is forecast to hit Florida's Big Bend region on August 30 as a dangerous Category 4 hurricane.
"If you are under an evacuation order, now is the time to leave," DeSantis said in a post on X, formerly"You still have a couple hours to pack up and get on the road before conditions deteriorate, but by late tonight you will need to hunker down and stay in place. If you choose to stay, first responders will not be able to get to you until after the storm has passed.
Earlier, DeSantis said residents didn't necessarily need to leave the state, but should"get to higher ground in a safe structure." Tolls were waived on highways out of the danger area, shelters were open and hotels ready to take in evacuees.About 5,500 National Guard troops were activated, with 2,400 high-water vehicles and 14 aircraft at their disposal for rescue and recovery efforts.
Many school districts along the Gulf Coast have closed through at least Wednesday, while several colleges and universities also closed. Two of the region's biggest airports
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