Storm surges forecast for Florida Gulf Coast as Idalia strengthens to hurricane

Idalia became a Category 3 hurricane on Tuesday as it intensified on a path towards Florida’s Gulf Coast (Chris O’Meara/AP)

Idalia became a Category 3 hurricane on Tuesday as it intensified on a path towards Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The National Hurricane Centre warned of an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surges and dangerous hurricane-force winds in the state over the next two days.