There are two hurricanes near the United States – Idalia, which poses a direct threat to Florida, and Franklin which is an offshore storm.

As of 9am Wednesday New Zealand time (5pm/6pm Tuesday Florida time) Hurricane Idalia was upgraded to Category 2 and strengthening.

Idalia is likely to make landfall in Florida’s north west – and while Category 3 is the forecast strength for landfall, it may be hitting an area that isn’t quite as populated as other parts of the state. (Not to minimise it for those in the path though). Also, any slight movement in forecast tracking could make it significantly worse for nearby cities, like Tampa. Storm surge is likely to be catastrophic in some communities along western Florida.

Meanwhile offshore well out in the Atlantic is Hurricane Franklin, which yesterday was Category 4 but today is Category 3. Franklin poses no direct threat to land.

🚨🌀#Breaking: #HurricaneIDALIA is now Category2️⃣ as it tracks towards #Florida.

Live coverage and tracking here: https://t.co/YVI2bH21hZhttps://t.co/gb7E1quzdb / #IBM pic.twitter.com/2P1uLpS0UP

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) August 29, 2023

WeatherWatch.co.nz