In the statement made by the Florida Governor's Office, "At the request of Governor DeSantis, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared a pre-rainfall emergency for Hurricane Idalia. In addition, the State Emergency Operations Centre has upgraded warnings to Level One against the possible effects of the hurricane. Idalia is forecast to make landfall early today and strengthen into a major hurricane. Life-threatening storm surges and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast."

THE NUMBER OF NATIONAL GUARDSMEN INCREASED TO 5,500

Making a statement on his social media account, Florida Governor DeSantis said, "Idalia is predicted to strengthen into a major hurricane before reaching land by mid-week. Floridians should be prepared for heavy rain, flooding and power outages. We are preparing all available resources, including activating 5,500 members of the Florida National Guard, stockpiling 200,000 gallons of fuel, preparing 7 Urban Search and Rescue Teams, and getting power distribution personnel ready for duty."