Tropical Storm Idalia has continued to grow and is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane before it hits the Florida coast on Wednesday.
The National Hurricane Center stated that Idalia was roughly 35 miles off the coast of Cuba, with winds reaching 70 miles per hour, per CBS News.
Tuesday has been determined to be the First Warning Weather Day, while Wednesday is expected to be the Impact Day for the hurricane, reported WESH 2.
A state of emergency was declared in 46 counties by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who said the hurricane could have a “major impact” on the state, according to CBS News.
Additionally, at least eight counties were ordered to evacuate, and DeSantis said that it is likely that more will be included as Idalia gets closer, CNN reported.
“The property — we can rebuild someone’s home,” said DeSantis during a press conference, per CBS News. “You can’t unring the bell, though, if somebody stays in harm’s way and does battle with Mother Nature. This is not something that you want to do battle with.”
Roughly 1,100 National Guard members, along with 2,400 rescue water vehicles and 12 aircraft, are being deployed in the state in preparation.
