Intensifying Idalia threatens Florida's Gulf Coast with storm surges

Hurricane Idalia was strengthening on Tuesday as it lumbered toward Florida's Gulf Coast, where officials ordered evacuations and urged millions of residents to brace for a possible major Category 3 storm when it makes landfall on Wednesday.

Idalia was expected to attain sustained winds in excess of 111 mph (179 kph) on Wednesday morning before slamming ashore later in the day, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents in low-lying areas to heed orders to seek higher ground, warning that the storm surge...