LIVE TROPICS UPDATE: Hurricane Idalia picking up strength in Gulf of Mexico (3 p.m. Tuesday)

The outer rainbands from Hurricane Idalia are pushing their way across southwest Florida and into the Tampa Bay region. Idalia, still a Category 1 hurricane, has gotten somewhat stronger as it continues a trek toward the state across the Gulf of Mexico. Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force wind are increasingly likely for portions of the Florida Gulf Coast. It's important to stress small shifts in Idalia's track will continue before the storm makes landfall — and parts of the region will still experience the "dirty" side of the system. More: https://www.wtsp.com/article/weather/...