A vehicle drives through flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hurricane Idalia is hitting the Big Bend area of Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The U.S. 41 bridges over the Peace River are closed until further notice due to road flooding in Punta Gorda, Florida. Storm surge, high tides and excessive rainfall from Hurricane Idalia have caused widespread localized flooding, particularly in coastal areas. These conditions will continue to worsen this morning.
The Beach Road causeway leading to Manasota Key is closed until further notice. Avoid driving in downtown Punta Gorda where there are reports of flooded roads and disabled vehicles stretching from Cooper Street to Berry Street. Sections of Riverside Drive in Punta Gorda and Harborview Road and Bayshore Drive in Charlotte Harbor are susceptible to flooding. Hydroplaning incidents have been reported by law enforcement.
As of 6am Wednesday, radar still shows bands of rain coming through the Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda area.
This conditions will be increasingly worse as you travel north near the coast. Reports of widespread flooding have also been reported in St. Pete.
Idalia has grown beyond expectations and is now a Category 4 storm with landfall expected this morning. Here's the current look.
We'll get a more detailed look at the damage in Charlotte County once the sun comes out, but keep in mind that many roads in Charlotte are flooded. It's much worse as you travel north. I don't have to remind you the dangers of surge.
EDIT: Pictures from Cedar Key and other Florida locations are starting to come in. You'll find those here.
2023 Hurricane Guide
2023 Hurricane Guide – A Preparedness Guide that provides you the updated information you may need in the event of a hurricane.
We know too well that 2022 was not a quiet year for storms. With the damage caused by the wrath of Hurricane Ian, SWFL residents will want to be more prepared than ever.
The 2023 Hurricane Guide is sponsored by Gavin's Ace Hardware and Century Public Adjusters
Special thanks to the City of Cape Coral for their partnership with Beasley Media Group
ONLINE RESOURCES
To download the entire guide as one file, click here.
