Ian becomes a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches Cuba

Tropical Storm Ian strengthened to become a Category 1 hurricane as it approached Cuba, the US National Hurricane Center said in a bulletin Monday.

"Ian turns into a hurricane", stated the NHC warning that "further rapid strengthening is expected today".

The storm is moving northwest toward western Cuba and the Cayman Islands with winds sustained maximum of 120 kilometers per hourthe weather agency said.

Western Cuba is expected to take the brunt of the storm on Monday and the NHC warned of "significant impacts from winds and storm surges".

In United States, Floridians were also preparing for the impending arrival of the storm and the NHC issued a hurricane watch for the west coast.

On Sunday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 67 counties and authorities are preparing for the arrival of the storm.

"Heavy rains, strong winds, rapid flooding and even isolated tornadoes are expected"DeSantis told reporters on Sunday.

The governor urged residents to stock up on food, water, medicine and fuel, and to prepare for power outages.