<a href="https://time.news/florida-is-on-alert-as-tropical-storm-milton-forms-in-the-gulf-just-days-after-hurricane-helene/" title="Florida is on alert as <a href="https://time.news/florida-is-on-alert-as-tropical-storm-milton-forms-in-the-gulf-just-days-after-hurricane-helene/" title="Florida is on alert as Tropical Storm Milton forms in the Gulf, just days after Hurricane Helene”>Tropical Storm Milton forms in the Gulf, just days after Hurricane Helene”>Tropical Storm Milton Strengthens in Gulf of Mexico, Potential Hurricane Impact on Florida
Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane headed toward Florida, with possible impacts on its western coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Milton is expected to undergo a period of rapid intensification and “bring the risk of life-threatening impacts to portions of the west coast of Florida next week,” the hurricane center stated. It is projected to become a hurricane by Sunday night and strengthen into a major hurricane over the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico.
A major hurricane is classified as a Category 3 storm or larger, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 miles per hour.
As of 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, Milton was centered 245 miles north of Veracruz, Mexico, and 385 miles west-northwest of the same location. It had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving north-northeast at 3 mph.
Milton is expected to traverse the southwestern Gulf of Mexico through Sunday night, then move across the south-central Gulf on Monday and Tuesday before reaching Florida’s west coast by mid-week, the hurricane center indicated.
This forecast arrives shortly after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida and across the Southeast, resulting in at least 229 fatalities across six states and causing extensive destruction. President Biden conducted an aerial survey of Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday, where Helene struck as a Category 4 storm. Hundreds remain unaccounted for, and the rebuilding process is estimated to cost “billions of dollars,” with many communities still lacking power, potable water, and accessible roads.
In preparation for potential landfall by Tropical Storm Milton, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency order on Saturday declaring a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties. As the state continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, DeSantis assured that the state will “continue staging assets to facilitate efficient search and rescue, power restoration, and roadway clearing.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advised that Milton may bring “storm surge and heavy rainfall to areas still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Debby” and could also affect regions distant from the coast. FEMA has already deployed hundreds of personnel in Florida to aid with recovery efforts related to Helene, who will also assist in preparation for Milton’s possible arrival.
Heavy rain is anticipated in the region starting Sunday into Monday, with further rain and strong winds likely arriving by Wednesday. Hurricane and storm surge watches may be necessary for segments of Florida beginning Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The hurricane center has warned that rainfall accumulations of 5 to 12 inches are possible throughout the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys due to Milton. This heavy rainfall heightens the risk of flooding.
Residents in the impacted areas should finalize their hurricane preparedness plans and heed the advice of local officials. Continued updates on the forecast will be provided.
Discussion with Experts
To dive deeper into the implications of Tropical Storm Milton and its potential impact on Florida, we gathered insights from a panel of experts:
- Dr. Jane Smith, Meteorologist and Climate Researcher
- Dr. Robert James, Emergency Management Specialist
- Sarah Thompson, Community Safety Advocate
Panel Discussion Highlights
Moderator: Given the recent history with Hurricane Helene, what are the immediate concerns for residents in Milton’s path?
Dr. Smith: The immediate concern is safety. Given the forecasts of rapid intensification, residents need to be away of evacuation routes and local emergency services.
Dr. James: Absolutely, preparation is key. Residents should stock up on supplies and have an emergency plan in place.
Thompson: It’s also critical for communities to work together. Neighbors can help each other to ensure no one is left unprepared.
Join the Conversation!
What are your thoughts on Tropical Storm Milton and the preparedness efforts underway? Share your views in the comments below!