Tropical Storm Idalia is seen off the coast of Mexico in an image obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (AFP)

Tropical Storm Idalia emerged in the Caribbean and affected southeastern Mexico with wind and rainfall. Reports anticipated that the storm could intensify into a hurricane before approaching Florida later in the week. While it's projected to avoid directly hitting Mexico, the storm is expected to traverse the Gulf of Mexico and is anticipated to make landfall in northwest Florida.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) cautioned about the growing threat of life-threatening storm surges and hurricane-level winds along Florida's west coast and Panhandle, starting as soon as Tuesday.

The NHC indicated a wide range of potential intensity for Idalia, with forecasts ranging from a weak hurricane to a major one before it reaches the northeast Gulf coast. According to NHC predictions, Idalia should reach Florida's shores by 7:00 am Wednesday, as shown in their projected path map.

As of 0300 GMT on Monday, Idalia was situated in the Caribbean, moving northeast with sustained winds of 60 miles per hour (95 kilometers per hour), according to the NHC. The NHC also issued storm surge and hurricane watches for various sections of Florida's coastline, cautioning against flash flooding.

Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 33 counties as a precautionary measure against the impending storm. In the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which encompasses popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Idalia caused rain and impacted the final weekend of summer vacations.

Furthermore, substantial rainfall is anticipated in parts of Mexico's eastern Yucatan and western Cuba.