Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to slam Florida's Gulf Coast as a 'dangerous major hurricane' with 'life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds'

• Tropical Storm Idalia is rapidly gaining strength before it's expected to slam Florida's Gulf Coast this week. 
• Forecasters say that the storm will likely become a "dangerous major hurricane" before hitting Florida.
• "We are bracing for a major hurricane impact, Category 3 plus," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

Tropical Storm Idalia is now forecast to strengthen into a "dangerous major hurricane" before the storm hits Florida's Gulf Coast this week. 

"The risk continues to increase for life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle beginning as early as late Tuesday," the National Hurricane Center warned. 

Storm surge warnings are in effect including for the Tampa Bay and Big Bend regions of the state where a surge of up to 7 feet and 11 feet, respectively, is expected, the hurricane center said.  

In a Monday morning update, the hurricane center said that the storm was about 80 miles off the western tip of Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour. 

Forecasters said Idalia is quickly intensifying as it barrels towards Florida. It's expected to make landfall on the west coast of the Sunshine State on Wednesday morning. 

"We are bracing for a major hurricane impact, Category 3 plus," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters during a Monday press briefing. 

The Republican governor and presidential hopeful added that conditions are expected to "get really nasty" late Tuesday and early Wednesday. 

"This is going to be a major hurricane," DeSantis said. "This is going to be a powerful hurricane and this is absolutely going to impact the state of Florida in many, many different ways."

DeSantis, who has declared a state of emergency in more than 40 counties in the state, urged Floridians to listen to evacuation orders from local officials and to prepare for the storm. 

The governor insisted that now is the time for Floridians to execute their plans. President Joe Biden said he's spoken to DeSantis and already approved an emergency declaration in Florida ahead of the storm.

"President Biden said Florida will have his full support as they prepare for Idalia and its aftermath. President Biden also expressed his commitment to ongoing support for the people of Jacksonville following the horrific shooting on Saturday," the White House said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Tampa International Airport announced that it will close at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday due to the storm. The airport said that it will remain closed until it can assess any damages later in the week and that it anticipates reopening on Thursday morning.