Hurricane Idalia is forecast to hit the Florida Big Bend region along the Gulf Coast, with landfall near Keaton Beach around 7:45 AM EDT. It is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane with Category 3 to Category 4 strength, featuring sustained winds around 125 to 130 mph and potentially higher gusts
. The storm surge is predicted to be catastrophic, with water levels reaching up to 16 feet in some areas along the Big Bend coast, including Wakulla, Jefferson County, and Yankeetown. Storm surge heights vary along the coast, with 8 to 12 feet expected from the Ochlockonee River to the Wakulla/Jefferson County line, and 7 to 11 feet from Yankeetown to Chassahowitzka
. The impact area includes a relatively narrow stretch of land along the Big Bend, but strong hurricane-force winds and damaging gusts could extend inland, affecting areas such as Tallahassee with wind gusts of 65 to 75 mph or higher depending on the storm's track
. The storm is also expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and tornado threats as it moves northeastward across northern Florida into southern Georgia and the Carolinas
. In summary, the part of Florida that Hurricane Idalia will hit is the Big Bend region along the Gulf Coast, including areas near Keaton Beach, Wakulla, Jefferson County, and Yankeetown, with significant impacts expected from wind, storm surge, and flooding
