Intensifying Idalia churns toward Florida

STORY: The International Space Station on Tuesday captured a swirling Hurricane Idalia as it intensified on its way to Florida's Gulf Coast, where windows were boarded up and boats were stored on land ahead of the impending storm.

FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell urged Florida residents to take the hurricane seriously.

"This storm is very strong and is expected to strengthen to a major hurricane by the time it makes landfall due to high surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico."

"Very few people can survive being in the path of major storm surge. And this storm will be deadly if we don't get out of harm's way and take it seriously."

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said the storm was carrying maximum sustained winds of 90 mph Tuesday afternoon and expected the intensity to ratchet higher.

Officials have ordered evacuations in low-lying coastal areas.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned of life-threatening storm surge that could rise as high as 12 feet.

"If you're there in that storm surge, you're putting your life in jeopardy when it gets to be that high. So if you're given those orders, please heed those orders. You do not have to leave the state. You don't have to drive hundreds of miles. You have to get to higher ground and a safe structure. You can ride the storm out there, then go back to your home once the storm passes."

In Perry, Florida, inmates from Taylor County's local jail joined the preparation efforts by filling sandbags that were then piled in front of local businesses and homes.

Idalia is in line to become the fourth major hurricane to strike Florida over the past seven years, following Irma in 2017, Michael in 2018, and Ian, which peaked at Category 5, last September.