Tropical Storm Idalia forecast to make landfall as hurricane

Staff report

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Tropical Storm Idalia has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall on Wednesday as a hurricane.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Idalia will move north into the eastern Gulf of Mexico and strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday evening. It is too early to narrow down detailed impacts to north central Florida, but rain and wind impacts are expected to begin on Tuesday afternoon or evening.

Officials urge residents to monitor the forecast, check storm supplies, bring loose outdoor items inside, and trim trees near homes.