Hurricane Idalia Heading for Florida, Evacuations Urged

Life-threatening Storm Surge, Winds Forecasted

Landfall Expected South of Perry, Florida by Wednesday Morning

People in the path of Hurricane Idalia have been warned to evacuate without delay as the storm hurtles towards the US state of Florida. Idalia, currently a tropical storm, is forecast to strengthen and make landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast by Wednesday as a major hurricane.

The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane watches from Englewood to the Ochlockonee River, including Tampa Bay. Tropical storm warnings are in effect from Englewood to Mexico Beach and from the Ochlockonee River to the Alabama-Florida border.

Idalia is expected to bring life-threatening and potentially catastrophic storm surge, winds, and rainfall. Forecasters are urging residents in the storm's path to evacuate immediately and follow the instructions of local officials.

In the state's Big Bend area, forecasters are particularly concerned about the potential for a storm surge of up to 10 feet. Residents in this area are urged to move to higher ground or stay in a safe location away from the coast.