News Idalia ‘very near hurricane strength’ as Florida residents brace for powerful punch: Updates August 28, 2023August 29, 2023 John Bacon and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Comments Off on Idalia ‘very near hurricane strength’ as Florida residents brace for powerful punch: Updates Tropical Storm Idalia was "lingering" near western Cuba late Monday and was expected to become a major hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.