Evacuations under way in some Florida towns in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia

The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Idalia strengthened on Tuesday afternoon. The storm is now recording top sustained winds of 100 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane. The hurricane is moving northward in the southern Gulf of Mexico at about 12 mph, approaching Florida's Gulf Coast.  A hurricane warning is in effect for Florida's Gulf Coast from Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass. Tropical storm warnings have been issued in the Fort Myers area due to Idalia's outer bands.