Aug 27 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Idalia could strengthen into a hurricane on Monday, bringing high winds and storm surges to Cuba and Florida later this week.
The storm has sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and could reach Category 2 strength with sustained winds of 96 to 110 mph when it is forecast to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, according to Governor Ron DeSantis.
The governor said the hurricane could make landfall in northern Florida's Big Bend area - where the panhandle transitions into the peninsula.
Reuters Image Acquire Licensing Rights"Idalia is likely to be near or at major hurricane intensity when it reaches the Gulf coast of Florida," the NHC added.
Duke Energy (DUK.N) is closely monitoring the approach of Idalia and preparing crews and equipment to respond if customers lose power.
Persons:
Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Joe Biden, Baranjot Kaur, Maria Caspani, Katharine Jackson, Trevor Hunnicutt, Lisa Shumaker
Organizations:
U.S, National Hurricane Center, Yucatan Channel, Reuters, NHC, Florida's Division, Emergency Management, National Guard, Duke Energy, Thomson
Locations:
Cuba, Florida, Big, Yucatan, Florida's, Georgia, Miami, Bengaluru, New York, Washington, Lincoln