Tropical Storm Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with the potential to reach major hurricane status as it moved towards Florida. The storm, which is expected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon, drew strength from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Milton is likely to hit Hillsborough or Pinellas counties. As of Sunday afternoon, the hurricane was located about 290 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and 815 miles west-southwest of Tampa, with sustained winds of 80 mph. Residents in Florida were advised to prepare for heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges as Milton approached.
Warnings and watches for rain, wind, and storm surges were issued for parts of the west coast of Florida, as the hurricane continued to gain strength. Outer bands of the storm were expected to bring rain to the area on Sunday, with heavier rainfall predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday. Up to 12 inches of rain could fall in some areas, increasing the risk of flash flooding and river flooding. The hurricane center advised residents in Florida, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, the northern Yucatán Peninsula, and western Cuba to closely monitor the storm for any potential impacts.
Milton is forecasted to move across the Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by midweek, potentially making landfall as a major hurricane. This storm, originating from the Gulf’s Bay of Campeche, would be only the third to strike Florida since 1850. The state is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which made landfall less than two weeks prior. Helene caused deaths in Pinellas County and extensive damage to homes and businesses along the Tampa Bay area peninsula. The threat of another powerful hurricane hitting the region so soon after the last one is causing concern and prompting residents to take necessary precautions.
With the anticipation of Milton’s impact, residents in Florida were seen filling sandbags in preparation for the storm’s arrival. The hurricane center warned of the potential for significant rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges along the west coast of Florida. The storm’s trajectory was closely monitored as it moved towards land, with expectations that it could reach Category 3 status or higher before making landfall. As the state braced for the arrival of yet another hurricane, emergency response teams and residents were urged to stay informed and prepared for the potential impacts of the approaching storm.
