Hurricane Idalia wreaks havoc in Florida, Georgia; 2 dead

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm.

It wreaked havoc across a wide swath of the Gulf Coast, inundating homes and vehicles, turning streets into rivers, and overturning small boats.

Power lines have been downed in such areas.

More than 263,000 people were left without power.

This devastating storm uprooted tall trees.

The Florida Highway Patrol said two people have died as a result of being caught in the storm.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a press conference Wednesday morning, "Don't do anything stupid right now that puts lives at risk."

Hurricane Idalia has entered Georgia after making landfall in Florida.

U.S. airlines have canceled more than 1,000 flights so far.

Florida officials said in an update that nearly 1,000 bridges in the region need to be inspected.

Many areas are flooded and motorists are urged not to drive through flooded roads.

Global Affairs Canada issued a travel advisory asking Canadians not to travel to the affected areas.

Residents in affected areas are advised to exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.