Hurricane watch issued for Florida’s Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches

The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane watch for some parts of the Gulf Coast of Florida as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches. The storm is currently located in the Gulf of Mexico and is moving toward the northern Gulf Coast. The hurricane watch area includes parts of Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties in the western Florida panhandle, and Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla counties in the Big Bend area of Florida. Forecasters say Idalia is expected to intensify and a hurricane could hit the Gulf Coast on Tuesday or Wednesday. Officials are urging residents in the watch area to review their hurricane plans, stock up on supplies, and secure their property in preparation for the storm.