Light rain in Havana awaits Tropical Storm Idalia

Tropical Storm Idalia formed Sunday in the Caribbean, buffeting southeastern Mexico with wind and rain, and forecasters predict it will strengthen to a hurricane before reaching the United States later in the week.

Light rain and gusty winds hit Cuba's capital Havana, as the island braces for the Storm Idalia.

It was "intensifying as it approaches Cuba" and "life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida," the US National Hurricane Center said.

The official has declared a state of emergency in 33 counties in preparation for the storm's arrival. Hurricanes hit Mexico every year on both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

Scientists have warned that storms are becoming more powerful as the world gets warmer due to climate change.