Hurricane Idalia Poses Threat to Florida's Gulf Coast

Hurricane Idalia is intensifying and heading towards Florida's Gulf Coast, with officials ordering evacuations and warning residents to prepare for a possible major Category 3 storm. The storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday morning, with the potential for life-threatening floods caused by storm surges. Evacuation orders have been issued in 22 counties, and more than 20 emergency shelters have been opened. The path of the storm is uncertain, but it is projected to cross Florida's coastline in the Big Bend region. Idalia is forecasted to reach Category 3 strength before reaching Florida, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph. Surge warnings have been posted for hundreds of miles of shoreline, with water levels expected to rise 8 to 12 feet in some areas.