Tropical Storm Milton emerged in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, with meteorologists anticipating its rapid escalation into a significant hurricane over the coming days.
Forecasters predict that Milton could quickly intensify within the next 36 hours and may reach a major Category 3 hurricane status as it approaches the west coast of Florida around mid-week. This situation poses a risk of severe impacts for areas already affected by last month’s Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Ian from 2022, as warned by the National Hurricane Center. Communities in particular need of caution include those along the state’s west coast.
In response to the imminent threat, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for numerous counties, including Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, and others.
The National Hurricane Center indicated that hurricane watches could be issued as soon as late Sunday for sections of Florida. Jamie Rhome, the center’s deputy director, stated that Milton is projected to develop into a “potentially very impactful hurricane,” likely striking the Florida peninsula on Tuesday or Wednesday.
At its peak, Milton is expected to have maximum sustained winds of around 115 mph as it nears landfall in the Gulf Coast area near St. Petersburg and Tampa, falling within the range of a Category 2 to Category 3 hurricane. Rhome noted that stronger storms, particularly those rated Category 3 and above, can cause catastrophic wind damage and may lead to loss of life.
Meteorologists like Bob Smerbeck from AccuWeather warned that winds could escalate to between 120 mph to 140 mph upon landfall, leading to significant structural damage.
In addition, Hurricane Kirk is anticipated to create swells in the Atlantic Ocean that will affect the East Coast of the United States this weekend.
While no evacuations have been mandated yet, Rhome encouraged residents of the Florida peninsula to prepare their hurricane plans and stay updated on forecasts and official communications. He also highlighted that Milton would produce extensive heavy rain and could pose flooding risks across a broad area.
The storm is expected to strengthen rapidly, becoming a hurricane by Sunday evening and possibly a major hurricane as it traverses the central and eastern Gulf. Mexico’s government has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The west coast of Florida, still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s impacts, may face life-threatening storm surges and wind damage. Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham noted the continuing risks for storm surge flooding and extended power outages.
Expected rainfall estimates from Milton could range between 8 to 12 inches, with localized areas receiving up to 30 inches. Central and southern Florida may experience a risk of tornadoes as the storm progresses northward, potentially affecting recovery efforts in regions impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Additionally, Hurricane Kirk, while situated far from the U.S., is predicted to generate dangerous surf and rip current conditions along the U.S. East Coast and other Atlantic areas this weekend.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Leslie, located in the eastern tropical Atlantic, is not expected to impact land according to the latest updates from meteorologists.