'Catastrophic' storm surge expected from Idalia. Here's what's happening in Cedar Key
Cheryl McCloudAs Florida residents make final preparations before Hurricane Idalia's arrival, some meteorologists are heading to the state for live coverage of the storm's landfall and expected catastrophic storm surge.
Most notably, The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore on Monday arrived in Cedar Key, along with storm chaser Reed Timmer, to report from Cedar Key.
➤ Spaghetti models for Hurricane Idalia
Idalia is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane, with 125-mph winds, before making landfall Wednesday in Florida's Big Bend region. Cedar Key is a small community in that area.
Live updates:Hurricane Idalia storm surges up to 15 feet now forecast for part of Florida Big Bend
Where is Cedar Key, Florida?
Cedar Key is an island community that sits three miles out into the Gulf of Mexico off Florida's west coast.
"Cedar Key is a quiet island community nestled among many tiny keys on the Gulf Coast of Florida," according to the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce.
What are the closest cities to Cedar Key?
Cedar Key is located 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, 183 miles north of Sarasota or 146 miles southeast of Tallahassee.
How do you get to Cedar Key, Florida?
There is only one road into the town, Highway 24.
It crosses over salt marshes and channels on four small, low bridges.
Is Cedar Key being evacuated?
A mandatory evacuation of the community is underway. The town is home to 800 full-time residents, according to the chamber.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers were in the area Tuesday, going door to door, to help with the evacuations.
The Chamber of Commerce told all visitors to evacuate immediately.
"EVACUATE NOW! If you are a visitor, you need to understand that we are on an island. It isn’t pretty during or after a major hurricane or storm surge. Please take care of yourselves and follow official instructions."
Will roads be closed in Cedar Key, Florida, for Hurricane Idalia?
The city of Cedar Key announced roads will not be shut down until after the storm and only if it's absolutely necessary.
Shelters open in Levy County for Cedar Key evacuees
The Levy County Emergency Management reported shelters were open, but advised residents to first try to evacuate to the home of a friend or family member outside of the evacuation area.
"A shelter should be your refuge of last resort if you have absolutely no where else to go."
Life-threatening storm surge from Hurricane Idalia expected in Levy County, Florida
"Levy County is expected to see life-threatening storm surge from Suwannee River south to Yankeetown and Inglis," said Levy County Emergency Management.
"Hurricane Idalia will likely be an unprecedented event for many locations in the Florida Big Bend," said the National Weather Service Tallahassee.
"Looking back through recorded history, NO major hurricanes have ever moved through the Apalachee Bay. When you try to compare this storm to others, DON'T. No one has seen this."
"Catastrophic impacts from storm surge inundation of 10 to 15 feet above ground level and destructive waves are expected somewhere between Aucilla River and Yankeetown," said the National Hurricane Center.