Florida residents are bracing for another potential hurricane, just ten days after Hurricane Helene caused significant storm surge and wind damage across the state.
The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings regarding Tropical Storm Milton, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane rapidly.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 35 counties in anticipation of Milton’s impact, with forecasters predicting landfall on the Gulf Coast as early as Tuesday or Wednesday.
Jamie Rhome, the deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, noted that Milton could develop into a “potentially very impactful hurricane,” with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph, classifying it as a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.
Forecasters warn of potential flooding and hazardous winds impacting central and southern Florida.As of early Sunday, the center of Tropical Storm Milton was located approximately 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa, moving east at 5 mph with sustained winds of 60 mph.
The NHC warns that, regardless of the exact storm track, significant rainfall and potential flooding are expected across south and central Florida.
Meteorologists emphasize the importance of warm surface sea temperatures in the Gulf, which remain above average and could fuel the storm’s rapid intensification.
The NOAA reports that conditions in the Gulf are favorable for Milton to strengthen quickly as it approaches the Florida coastline.
In light of this impending threat, Governor DeSantis has mobilized state resources to assist local communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene, ensuring efficient debris removal and preparedness efforts.
Additionally, the NHC has reported another storm, Hurricane Kirk, downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane with top winds of 105 mph, posing a risk of dangerous surf and rip currents along the US and Canadian coasts.
Hurricane Leslie is also moving in the open Atlantic, with winds of 85 mph, but currently does not pose any threats to land.
Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve.