Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is warning residents to prepare for "major impacts" as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches Florida this week.

DeSantis has now declared a state of emergency for 46 counties in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia, up from 33 counties DeSantis announced over the weekend. Support will be delivered to affected areas, with DeSantis saying the Florida National Guard is mobilizing 1,100 members, he outlined Monday morning.

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“The goal is to get the power restored as quickly as possible,” DeSantis said. “Floridians in the path of this storm – just be prepared to lose power.”

The strengthening tropical storm is expected to become a hurricane when it nears western Cuba on Monday, as warned by the National Hurricane Center. A tropical cyclone sustained maximum winds of 65 mph and was moving north at 8 mph as of Monday morning.

The storm will be a Category 3 hurricane by Wednesday morning, officials anticipate, based on the projected landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Officials detailed that Florida will see heavy rain, wind, and some beach erosion on Tuesday and Wednesday. Life-threatening storm surges and dangerous winds are expected in some areas of Florida, according to the hurricane center.

Florida officials said they are preparing for the storm to turn into a Category 4, while the hurricane center’s forecast only predicts a Category 3 as of Monday afternoon. Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie warned of possible tornadoes and flooding.

DeSantis encouraged Floridians to have a plan in place and said residents have time early on Monday to make sure their hurricane supply kit is stocked up, but later in the day impacts such as rain and wind are possible. He said local officials will be issuing evacuation orders for areas that will be highly affected.

Manatee County has issued a local state of emergency and evacuation order which will start Monday afternoon. Some parts of Pasco County are issuing a mandatory evacuation order as the storm approaches, applying to those that are in Zone A and recommended for other areas. Hernando County announced voluntary evacuations for residents west of U.S. Highway 19.

“If you are in the path of this storm, anywhere on that Gulf Coast from the Tampa Bay area all the way up to Franklin County in Northwest Florida, just prepare for major impacts,” DeSantis said.

The Tampa International Airport announced they'll close all operations starting Tuesday "until it can assess any damages later in the week." Airport officials anticipate reopening on Thursday, and damage assessment will start after Idalia passes through.

"The closure will allow the Airport and its partners to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment and any remaining aircraft before Idalia's expected landfall early Wednesday as a potential major hurricane," a press release reads. "Some cargo and private aircraft operations could continue overnight, but all air traffic will cease by 7 a.m. Tuesday."

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When asked if DeSantis will have trouble communicating with President Joe Biden due to both vying for the White House in 2024, the Florida governor said “no,” adding “you've got to put the interest of the people first.”

“We have a responsibility as Americans to come together and do what we can to mitigate any damage and protect people,” DeSantis said.