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Jul 28, 2023

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(NEW YORK) -- Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday as it bears down on Florida. Idalia could become a major Category 3 hurricane by Tuesday night. Landfall is

(NEW YORK) -- Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday as it bears down on Florida.

Idalia could become a major Category 3 hurricane by Tuesday night.

Landfall is currently forecast for Wednesday morning in Florida's Big Bend area, north of Tampa.

Latest headlines:-Idalia could become hurricane on Monday, major hurricane by Tuesday night-Idalia could be strongest hurricane for Big Bend since 1950-Biden approves emergency declaration for Florida-Floridians should prepare for at least Category 3 hurricane: DeSantis

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.

Aug 28, 6:38 PM EDTFAA 'closely monitoring' Idalia, airlines issue travel notices

Airlines and The Federal Aviation Administration said it's monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia as it heads to the U.S.

The FAA posted on social media that it's "closely monitoring" Idalia's path, but it isn't responsible for closing airports and canceling flights.

American Airlines issued a travel alert that allows its customers whose plans are impacted by Idalia to rebook their flights without incurring a change fee.

Southwest Airlines said it anticipates some changes to its schedule and an impact on its operation as the storm approaches. The airline has issued a travel advisory for its customers.

United Airlines has issued travel waivers for customers traveling to and from impacted airports. The company said it's working to ensure its team is prepared to deal with the expected severe weather.

Aug 28, 6:15 PM EDTEvacuation orders issued for multiple Florida counties

Multiple counties in Florida are under mandatory and voluntary evacuations as Tropical Storm Idalia barrels toward the state.

People living in zones in Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota and Taylor counties must evacuate the area, according to multiple county officials.

County officials are also urging people living in mobile homes, low-lying areas and along the coast to leave the area as Idalia approaches.

Officials in Hernando, Jefferson, Manatee and Pasco counties have also issued voluntary evacuation orders for particular zones.

-ABC News' Michael Pappano, Jianna Cousin and Robinson Perez

Aug 28, 3:24 PM EDTFEMA encourages everyone in Idalia's path to 'get prepared today'

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging everyone in Idalia’s path to "get prepared today."

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell spoke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and "emphasized the agency's actions and readiness to support the state’s needs." FEMA is also "closely coordinating" with Georgia and South Carolina to provide support as needed.

President Joe Biden also spoke with DeSantis earlier Monday and approved an emergency declaration.

-ABC News' Justin Gomez

Aug 28, 11:53 AM EDTTampa International Airport to close

Tampa International Airport will close at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday as Idalia nears.

A hurricane warning has been issued from the Tampa Bay area up to the Apalachicola area.

Aug 28, 11:49 AM EDTIdalia could become hurricane on Monday, major hurricane by Tuesday night

Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday and may become a major hurricane by Tuesday night.

Landfall is currently forecast for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday in Florida's Big Bend region.

Storm surge is expected to be a major threat and could reach as high as 11 feet in the Big Bend area.

Up to 1 foot of rain could drench the Florida Panhandle and tornadoes are possible in Tampa and Orlando.

Idalia will move north Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rain and potential flash flooding to Georgia and the Carolinas. Idalia will head out to sea on Thursday.

ABC News' Max Golembo

Aug 28, 11:36 AM EDTIdalia could be strongest hurricane for Big Bend since 1950

Idalia is currently forecast to make landfall along Florida's Big Bend region between Apalachicola and Tampa as a Category 3 hurricane. If this happens, it will mark the strongest landfall for the Big Bend region since 1950, when Category 3 Hurricane Easy made landfall in Cedar Key.

Idalia's potential landfall in Florida.

No hurricanes have ever made landfall in the Big Bend region stronger than Category 3.

It has been more than half a century since a hurricane of category 2 strength or stronger...

If Idalia makes landfall as a Category 2, it will be the first in the region since Gladys in 1968.

ABC News' Kenton Gewecke

Aug 28, 11:04 AM EDTPasco County, Hillsborough County schools to close

As Idalia approaches, the Pasco County School District, north of Tampa, said its schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Schools in Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa, will also be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

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