In a NOAA20 image from Aug. 27, 2023, Tropical Storm Idalia is seen between Cuba and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, while Hurricane Franklin is near the southeastern coast of the Bahamas. (NOAA)

Tropical Storm Idalia gained strength as it moved past the western edge of Cuba on Monday, with its sights set on the Gulf coast of Florida.

Meteorologists predicted that it could evolve into a hurricane "at any time."

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a warning, anticipating the storm's likely arrival as a powerful hurricane by Wednesday and stressing the potential for significant impacts along the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) cautioned about the risk of life-threatening storm surges along parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, emphasizing the danger of flooding in normally dry coastal areas. US President Joe Biden communicated with DeSantis and authorized an emergency declaration for the state.

Infrared imagery on #idalia is showing sustained intense convection around the core becoming common. which is a sign of rapid intensification, due to this occurrence #idalia is even trying to poke a little eye in. Hurricane strength will be achieved soon as further intense… pic.twitter.com/COoBr1Rqlf
— Jordan McClellan (@JordanJamesWx) August 29, 2023

Numerous NHC advisories covered regions in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina due to the storm's intensification over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Predictions included hurricane and tropical storm conditions in parts of Cuba as well.

The highest storm surges were anticipated north of Tampa Bay, with potential inundation reaching eight to twelve feet above ground level. Flash floods and urban flooding were also expected across various parts of Florida, the panhandle region, southern Georgia, and possibly South Carolina.

Cuban authorities activated a hurricane alert for Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and Isla de la Juventud. Thousands of residents were reported to have evacuated or sought shelter ahead of the storm. After crossing Cuba, the storm would move over the Gulf's warm waters, fueling its intensification.

The NHC noted that Idalia would be traversing waters with temperatures around 31°C (88°F), contributing to its potential rapid strengthening before landfall as a major hurricane. These major hurricanes, typically classified as Category 3 and higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale, are known to cause severe and catastrophic damage.

In the past, Hurricane Ian struck Florida in 2022, causing extensive destruction and resulting in nearly 150 fatalities. The storm obliterated neighborhoods and incurred over $100 billion in damages, ranking as the most financially impactful weather catastrophe of that year. Scientists have warned of increasingly potent storms due to climate change, with rising global temperatures contributing to their strength.