Florida Braces for Hurricane Idalia's Landfall and Potential Cat 3 Strength

Hurricane Idalia has gained strength in the Gulf of Mexico and is heading towards Florida, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for vulnerable coastal areas. The hurricane, currently a Category 2 system, is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 storm in the lightly populated Big Bend region. Florida is still recovering from the damage caused by last year's Hurricane Ian. Idalia has already caused heavy rains and flooding in Cuba, leaving many without power. Georgia and South Carolina have also declared states of emergency in preparation for the storm.