Why Hurricanes Are Becoming More Intense

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Keaton Beach, Fla., on Wednesday morning as a Category 3 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center, and was later downgraded to a Category 1 storm as it moved across Georgia. The storm battered Florida’s northern Gulf Coast with high winds and a powerful storm surge that was predicted to reach up to 16 feet in some areas. More than 30 Florida counties were issued evacuation orders. Idalia’s center was expected to move across southeastern Georgia and near the coast of South Carolina before moving offshore southern North Carolina on Thursday. Mike McPhaden is referenced.