Idalia strengthens into a hurricane off Cuba as it churns toward Florida

Members of the Tampa, Fla., Parks and Recreation Department help residents with sandbags on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Residents along Florida's gulf coast are making preparations for the effects of Tropical Storm Idalia. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

Idalia strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane early Tuesday as forecasters warned that it will grow into a "major hurricane" by the time it reaches Florida. Officials are warning residents in the state to prepare for severe weather, including a potentially deadly storm surge.

Idalia was carrying maximum sustained winds of 75 mph as it was located about 85 miles north of Cuba's western tip at 5 a.m. ET, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to batter parts of that country Tuesday morning.