Tropical Storm Idalia to Hit Florida as Hurricane

Tropical Storm Idalia has formed in the Caribbean and could strengthen into a hurricane, bringing high winds and storm surges to Cuba and Florida later this week. The storm has sustained winds of 40 mph and could reach Category 1 strength with winds of 90 mph when it is forecast to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Sunday.

The storm is currently near the Yucatan Channel about 80 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico.

Idalia could cause life-threatening storm surge and flooding from heavy rains along parts of Florida’s west coast and the Panhandle as early as Tuesday, the Miami-based weather forecaster said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 33 Florida counties on Saturday.

“Floridians should have a plan and a stocked supply kit,” DeSantis wrote on social media.

Duke Energy is closely monitoring the approach of Idalia and preparing crews and equipment to respond if customers lose power.