Tropical Storm Idalia was strengthening in the Caribbean, buffeting southeastern Mexico with wind and rain. Idalia is forecast to become a hurricane later today and a dangerous major hurricane over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Wednesday. Forecasters have predicted that it will become a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida in the United States later in the week.
   
The US National Hurricane Center said, the storm, will travel across western Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico before reaching northwest Florida. The NHC said, Idalia was intensifying as it approaches Cuba, and life-threatening storm surges and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida.
 
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 33 counties in preparation for the storm's arrival. Heavy rainfall is expected across parts of eastern Yucatan in Mexico and western Cuba.