As cities across the southeastern US slowly recover from Helene’s path of destruction, another potential threat looms in the Gulf: Tropical Storm Milton.
Tropical Depression 14 quickly became Tropical Storm Milton over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday and could become a major hurricane if it reaches Florida, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Asheville, still recovering from flooding in the aftermath of Helene, is not in the center of the storm’s path, according to the NHC’s latest forecasts. But they warn that areas outside that zone could have dangerous conditions. As of Saturday afternoon, the center of the storm was forecast to hit coastal areas of South Carolina.
Here’s a look at the coming storm.
When will Milton reach Florida?
Milton could make landfall late Tuesday or early Wednesday near St. Petersburg and Tampa, USA Today reported.
Milton is expected to intensify rapidly over the next 36 hours and could be at or near the strength of a major hurricane (Category 3, 4 or 5) when it reaches the west coast of the Florida Peninsula mid-week, raising the risk of life-threatening entails consequences. to parts of the state’s west coast, the NHC said.
Milton is expected to remain over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico through Sunday night, then cross the south-central Gulf of Mexico on Monday and Tuesday and approach the west coast of the Florida Peninsula on Wednesday morning.
LIVE UPDATES: Helene’s cost could reach $30 billion; recovery is a marathon
What’s in the Asheville forecast? Is there more rain on the way?
According to Saturday’s forecast from the National Weather Service, the chance of rain next week is low.
Will Tropical Storm Milton become a hurricane?
The tropical storm is expected to become a hurricane early Monday, according to the NHC.
Tropical Storm Milton Path
Spaghetti model from Tropical Storm Milton
Where to Find Help in Asheville
The link below provides resources for ice, water, medical care, meals and more.
Emergency assistance: Quick guide to finding essentials in Asheville after the flood from Helene
Where can you donate to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts?
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Milton upgraded to tropical storm. Could this impact Asheville?
