Tropical Storm Idalia: Georgia Also Experiencing Massive Floods, Destruction; Disaster Declaration OK'd In Florida

After bringing massive destruction in Florida, Tropical Storm Idalia has also caused flood in Georgia.

(Photo : Getty Images/Sean Rayford)

Heavy rains and significant inland and coastal floodings have continued in Georgia as well as in the Carolinas and Virginia, with weather forecasters issuing a warning that Idalia could still bring damage in these areas.

According to the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, tropical storm conditions could be observed in the Bermuda by Saturday.

Furthermore, torrential rains will likely lead to areas of flash and urban floodings on the island.

On the other hand, water levels are expected to subside and winds are forecasted to diminish along the coast of North Carolina through early Friday.

Effects on Georgia

Officials said that the weather disturbance's powerful winds and heavy rains toppled down power lines and clogged interstate highways and local roads with uprooted trees and debris.

Governor Brian Kemp earlier issued a State of Emergency order for all of the areas in Georgia to address the anticipated impact of Idalia across the state.

"I am taking this additional executive action to ensure state assets are ready to respond," Kemp said. "Georgians in the expected impact area can and should take necessary steps to ensure their safety and that of their families. We are well positioned to respond to whatever Idalia may bring."

Kemp further said that the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) State Operations Center has remained open and would continue to monitor Idalia's progress and possible effects in the state.

Kemp, GEMA/HS officials, as well as other state leaders have vowed to work closely with local officials as regards the planned and implemented storm response.

Moreover, the GEMA/HS also has teams standing by to deploy to affected counties, when appropriate.

The governor further called on all Georgians to keep on monitoring weather alerts and to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety as well as that of their families.

Those directly affected by the storm's path are encouraged to consult GEMA/HS' informational website, which provides tips on storm preparedness before, during, and after a hurricane.

Florida

Meanwhile, in Florida, the extent of the damage due to Idalia can be seen along Florida's Gulf coast, where the tropical storm battered the areas as a Category 3 hurricane with gusts of 160mph. It also sent a surge of seawater of up to 16ft far inland through vulnerable low-lying communities.

Officials said that roofs have been torn in some buildings and that residences were submerged by water from the Gulf of Mexico and flash floods.

Thousands of trees were also tore down from Florida's west coast to Wilmington, North Carolina.

United States President Joe Biden disclosed that he had signed a major disaster declaration for Florida.

"It means we're making available federal assistance for Florida survivors, whose homes were damaged or destroyed, by the declaration that I agreed to," Biden said.

"And we're helping both Florida and South Carolina with the delivery of meals, waters, and debri- - debris removal that's going to help both states begin their road to recovery and do it immediately," Biden added.

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