Tropical Storm Idalia forms near Gulf, expected to become Hurricane as it continues towards Florida

As we continue to track Tropical Depression 10 over the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center have confirmed that it has now strengthen into Tropical Storm Idalia, where it's anticipated to strengthen and eventually become a hurricane and it approaches Florida.

As Florida Govenor Ron DeSantis declares a State of Emergency in many areas of Florida, the National Hurricane Center have confirmed that Tropical Depression Ten has strengthened into a named storm.

In the Sunday, 11:15 Advisory, Tropical Depression Ten has strengthened to Tropical Storm Idalia, with maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 40 mph.

Tropical Storm Idalia is still located in the Yucatan Peninsula, about 80 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and is moving east at 2 mph.

The storm is is forecast to strengthen during the next few days, becoming a hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico, bringing a potential of life-threatening storm surge, flooding, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds along Florida's Gulf and Panhandle as early as Tuesday.

Heavy rainfall is also likely to spread into portions of the Southeast U.S. by mid to late week.

Although still too early to specify the exact location and magnitude of these impacts, as per the current track of the storm, impacts for Central Florida include gusty squalls, heavy rain and a risk of tornadoes Tuesday and Wednesday. However, any shift in the track eastwards could mean a much greater impact in Central Florida.

Rresidents should monitor updates to the forecast of this system and ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.

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