Weather & Science
Florida Braces for Disaster With Idalia Set for Rapid Growth
- Winds are forecast to reach hurricane strength at 120 mph
- State stands to see $10 billion loss depending on track
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Florida is bracing for a major hurricane that is poised to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to the Tampa Bay area as Tropical Storm Idalia neared hurricane strength Monday in the Gulf of Mexico.
Idalia’s sustained winds were measured at 70 miles (113 kilometers) per hour, just below hurricane force, the US National Hurricane Center said in an advisory at 8 p.m. New York time. The storm is forecast to reach Category 3 strength at 120 mph as it makes landfall Wednesday after hitting western Cuba.