Tropical Storm Idalia has intensified while passing near the western edge of Cuba, with its trajectory aiming for Florida’s Gulf coast. Meteorologists have indicated that the storm is on the verge of becoming a hurricane at any moment.

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida issued a warning on Monday, highlighting the potential for the storm to make landfall in the state as a significant hurricane by Wednesday. He urged residents to make preparations and be ready for evacuations.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted in an update at 11 pm (03:00 GMT) that the combination of the storm surge and high tide could lead to coastal areas experiencing flooding due to rising waters moving inland. The NHC also emphasized the possibility of life-threatening storm surge inundation along parts of the Florida Gulf Coast.

Earlier on Monday, US President Joe Biden spoke with Governor DeSantis and granted an emergency declaration for the state, ensuring full support from the White House. Multiple NHC advisories have been issued for Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina due to the intensification of the storm fueled by warm Gulf of Mexico waters.

The NHC anticipated hurricane and tropical storm conditions in portions of western Cuba until Tuesday morning. The highest storm surges were projected north of Tampa Bay, a metropolitan region housing around 3.2 million residents, with an expected inundation of 8 to 12 feet above ground level.

Florida could experience flash floods and urban flooding, extending to the panhandle region, as well as parts of southern Georgia. The potential for flooding also extended into South Carolina by Thursday.

Preparations for the storm’s impact were already underway by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including the deployment of staff, as confirmed by the White House.

In Cuba, authorities issued a hurricane alert for the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and Isla de la Juventud. Thousands of Cuban citizens evacuated or sought refuge in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.

After passing Cuba, the storm is expected to traverse the Gulf, where warm ocean temperatures are providing energy to Idalia’s winds as it races towards Florida. The NHC highlighted that the storm will be moving over waters with temperatures near 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit), a key factor in hurricane intensification.

Scientists warned of rapid intensification before landfall, projecting that Idalia could strengthen further and become a major hurricane. Major hurricanes, usually classified as Category 3 and above on the Saffir-Simpson scale, are known to cause devastating and catastrophic damage.

Cuban state media reported that approximately 8,000 individuals had already left their homes to seek shelter with family or friends in Pinar del Rio. This province had previously experienced the impact of Hurricane Ian last September, resulting in casualties and widespread power outages.

Idalia had already brought wind and rain to parts of southeastern Mexico earlier on Monday. The storm affected the state of Quintana Roo, home to popular tourist destinations like Cancun, disrupting summer vacation plans.

The intensification of storms has been attributed to the warming climate, with scientists observing increased power in storms due to climate change. Florida experienced the impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage. The hurricane’s aftermath caused over $100 billion in damages, making it the most expensive weather-related disaster of that year.