Hurricane Irma: Gov. Rick Scott urges Floridians to 'prepare for the worst'

Gov. Rick Scott urged Florida residents to "prepare for the worst" as Hurricane Irma continued gaining strength in the Atlantic. 

During a news conference in North Naples on Tuesday, the governor said he activated 100 Florida National Guard personnel ahead of the storm. 

"We don't know what is in store, but we all have to be prepared," Scott said. 

Scott also suspended tolls on Florida's highways beginning Tuesday at 5 p.m.

More:Hurricane Irma: Where to buy supplies and groceries in Naples and Southwest Florida

More:Hurricane Irma strengthens into a Category 5

More:Naples and Collier first responders preparing for worst ahead of Hurricane Irma

More:Southwest Florida gas stations prepare for lines as Irma nears

More:Sheriff Rambosk: "Do not wait" to leave before Hurricane Irma

In a statement, Scott said all 7,000 guard members will report for duty Friday morning.

Scott said President Donald Trump has committed whatever federal resources the state might need to prepare for and recover from the hurricane, which was a Category 5 storm Tuesday afternoon. 

The governor said he has been discussing evacuation plans with Florida sheriffs and police and fire chiefs. 

"When there's an evacuation, listen," Scott said. "In the middle of a hurricane, no one can rescue you."

The governor urged residents to stock up on water and food and to learn the locations of local emergency shelters. 

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Texans reported incidents of apparent price gouging on water and food. 

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi launched an emergency hotline Monday night for residents to report price gouging. The hotline number is 866-9-NO-SCAM.

"Price gouging is illegal," Scott said. "Our attorney general is aggressive in prosecuting those cases. "