Tropical Storm Idalia is approaching Cuba’s coast and could become a hurricane in the southern U.S. The storm has sustained winds of 65 mph and is expected to curve northeast toward Florida. The storm surge poses a significant threat, with up to 11 feet of ocean water predicted to surge onto Florida’s west coast. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, mobilizing 1,100 National Guard members and urging residents to be prepared for power outages. While the storm’s path and intensity remains uncertain, authorities have called for residents to be prepared in case of an evacuation order.
