CNN —Florida is bracing for “major impact” as Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to rapidly strengthen into a powerful Category 3 hurricane and aim for its Gulf Coast, threatening dangerous storm surge and winds, authorities said.
“Idalia could become a hurricane later this morning, and is forecast to become a major hurricane by early Wednesday,” the National Hurricane Center said.
The Florida National Guard activated: More than 5,000 National Guard members were activated to help respond to the storm.
Idalia posed a “notable risk” of this phenomenon, the National Hurricane Center warned Monday, as it travels through the Gulf of Mexico.
Cedar Key could be cut off by the high storm surge, National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome said.
Persons:
Idalia, “, Ron DeSantis, It’s, Taylor, DeSantis, ” Barbara Tripp, ” Tripp, Ian —, Chris O'Meara, Jamie Rhome, “ I’m, ” Rhome, Andrew Kruczkiewicz, ”
Organizations:
CNN, Sunshine State, National Hurricane Center, ”, Carolinas, Tampa International, Pete, Clearwater International, Florida State University, University of Florida, M University . Emergencies, DeSantis, Florida National Guard, National Guard, US Navy, Navy, ., Pasadena Hospital, HCA, HCA Florida Trinity West Hospital, HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital, Tampa Fire, Facebook, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Columbia, Climate
Locations:
Florida, Gulf, Bend, Tampa, Tallahassee, Cuba, Mexico, Georgia, Carolinas, Hillsborough, Franklin, Levy, Citrus, Manatee, Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, Sarasota, HCA Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Tampa , Florida, Big, Idalia