Evacuations, School Closings, and More as Florida Braces For Idalia

Floridians all along the Gulf Coast of Florida are urged to be vigilant and prepared for Tropical Storm Idalia's strike. Idalia has continued to intensify as it approves Florida and is expected to become a major hurricane by Wednesday. This storm will bring dangerous winds and life-threatening storm surges to many areas surrounding the strike zone.

Preparing For a Major Hurricane

A major hurricane is a hurricane categorized as a 3, 4, or 5. A hurricane reaches a category 3 when maximum wind speeds reach at least 111 mph.

Hurricane watches have been put into effect for over 300 miles of the Florida coast from Longboat Key to 60 miles south of Tampa to the Ochlockonee River by Tallahassee.

Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor, declared a state of emergency for the city as a storm surge of up to 7 feet is possible in the area.