Florida, which has just suffered the devastating effects of Hurricane “Helene”, is now bracing for another hurricane. Tropical Storm “Milton” formed on Saturday (October 5) in the western Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane early next week as it heads towards Florida.
Over the past 24 hours, there have been significant changes in the forecasts for this storm, indicating a higher likelihood of it intensifying into a more severe weather event.
Meteorologist Bryan Norcross from FOX Weather stated, “I don’t like the way this is developing at all, it’s going to happen very quickly.”
Norcross mentioned that compared to Friday, Saturday’s indications show a higher probability of a significant storm impacting Florida.
According to current predictions, “Milton” is expected to become a hurricane on Monday (October 7) and make landfall along the Florida peninsula on Wednesday (October 9). At that time, the storm could make landfall as a Category 2 or stronger hurricane, bringing potentially deadly impacts to the west coast of Florida.
“Milton” is currently moving in a northeasterly direction. The National Hurricane Center forecasts that the storm will pass through the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday evening, then move across the central and southern Gulf of Mexico on Monday and Tuesday, eventually reaching the west coast of Florida by midweek.
CBS Miami reported that the region could experience heavy rainfall from Sunday through Monday, with more rain and strong winds likely on Wednesday.
This past weekend, a separate system has already brought 2 to 5 inches of rain to Florida, increasing the threat of flooding significantly when “Milton” arrives.
As “Milton” departs the state, Florida could potentially see rainfall amounts of 10 inches or more over the course of five days.
The National Hurricane Center anticipates that hurricane and storm surge warnings may need to be issued for parts of Florida starting from Sunday. Some areas that were recently affected by Hurricane “Helene” are expected to face dangerous storm surges.
The center also stated, “Regardless of development, in the next day or so, parts of Mexico and most parts of Florida from later this weekend through mid next week could see locally heavy rainfall.”
With heavy rainfall expected, the risk of flooding is also predicted. Residents in the affected areas should ensure they have a hurricane plan in place, follow the advice of local officials, and stay updated on the latest weather forecasts.