Florida governor declares widespread state of emergency ahead of Idalia’s expected landfall

By LAURA BARGFELD
Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Florida residents are evacuating from homes in low-lying areas along the Gulf Coast as forecasters predict that Tropical Storm Idalia will hit the state as a major hurricane by Wednesday. Idalia would be the first storm to hit Florida this hurricane season and a big blow to the state, which is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ian almost a year ago. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 46 counties, evacuation notices were issued in 21 counties and the state has mobilized 1,100 National Guard members. On Monday, Idalia was thrashing Cuba with heavy rains, especially the westernmost part of the island, which was also seriously affected by Ian.