Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the next few days and has Florida in its sights. The storm, currently located off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is forecasted to become a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall on Wednesday morning. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 33 counties along the Gulf Coast in preparation for the storm.

Idalia is currently moving northeast at a slow pace, but it is expected to pick up forward speed and make a northward turn into the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Monday. The storm will gradually intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, posing a threat of heavy rain, flash flooding, and storm surge. The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge watches for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast.

Residents in western Florida, from Fort Myers to the Panhandle, are urged to pay close attention to the storm's progress. Forecasters warn of potential rapid intensification as Idalia moves across the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Florida's Division of Emergency Management is advising residents to keep their gas tanks at least half-full in case of evacuations.

Though the exact strength and path of Idalia remain uncertain, officials are taking precautions to ensure that communities, infrastructure, and resources are prepared for the storm. With memories of last year's destructive Hurricane Ian still fresh, Florida is bracing for the impact of another potentially powerful hurricane.