Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to grow into a hurricane heading toward Florida with possible impacts to the West Coast, the National Hurricane Center said Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are expected to be 40 mph with higher gusts and Milton is currently moving north-northeast, NHC said in an advisory.
Milton A period of rapid intensification is predicted to occur before making landfall along the west coast of Florida as a Category 2 hurricane, CBS News Miami reported.
The forecast comes just over a week later Hurricane Helene has made landfall in Florida and in the southeast, killing more than 200 people and causing massive destruction. President Biden took an aerial tour of Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday, where Helene hit as a Category 4 storm. Hundreds of people are still missing and Mr Biden said the work to rebuild will cost “billions of dollars” as communities continue to suffer without power, running water and passable roads.
NOAA
Milton is forecast to move over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico through Sunday evening, then move over the south-central Gulf on Monday and Tuesday before reaching the west coast of Florida by midweek, NHC said. Heavy rain is possible in the region Sunday through Monday, CBS Miami reported, with more rain and heavy winds likely on Wednesday. Hurricane and storm surge watches will most likely be needed for parts of Florida starting Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said.
In addition to the heavy rainfall, the hurricane center also expects flooding.
Residents in the area should make sure they have a hurricane plan, the National Hurricane Center said, follow the advice of local officials and check back for forecast updates.
