Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to become a hurricane when it nears western Cuba later today.

According to the National Hurricane Centre, the storm was moving north packing winds of near 100 km/h.

A further northward motion is expected through tonight, followed by a faster north-northeast motion on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It is then forecast to become a dangerous major hurricane by early Wednesday as it reaches the Gulf coast of Florida.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Franklin has rapidly intensified into a category four hurricane with winds near 230km/h.

However, Franklin is expected to begin weakening tomorrow before it passes well west of Bermuda on Wednesday.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Bermuda.

(Photo credit: NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center on Facebook)