Tropical Storm Milton is poised to strengthen into a major hurricane within three days, with forecasts indicating it could hit Florida’s already storm-damaged west coast. The National Hurricane Center announced that the storm is evolving into “an intense hurricane with multiple life-threatening hazards” affecting areas around Tampa Bay.
According to forecasters, Milton is expected to reach hurricane status, characterized by sustained winds of at least 74 mph, by Sunday night, followed by a potential upgrade to major hurricane status, or Category 3, with winds of at least 111 mph, within 72 hours.
As of 2 a.m. ET Sunday, the storm was located 365 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and 855 miles west-southwest of Tampa, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 45 mph and a slow movement to the north-northeast at 4 mph.
The hurricane center has emphasized the rapid strengthening of the storm, warning of increased risks of life-threatening impacts along Florida’s west coast. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, extending from Celestun to Cancun.
In anticipation of the storm, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 35 counties, including Pinellas County, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene. The declaration addresses potential “life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts” expected as early as Tuesday evening, continuing into Wednesday.
Milton’s rapid transition from a tropical depression to a tropical storm highlights the storm’s potential to cause significant disruptions in the Southeast, following the recent landfall of Hurricane Helene along Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26, which resulted in catastrophic flooding and loss of life.
The latest data shows that Milton is powered by warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, where a nearby buoy recorded water temperatures approaching 86 degrees—2 degrees warmer than the air. This condition contributes to the storm’s unique development during a busy Atlantic hurricane season.
Should Milton make landfall, it will become the fifth hurricane to do so on the U.S. mainland in 2024, tying with previous years for the highest recorded number of landfalling hurricanes. Remarkably, only two storms originating from the Bay of Campeche have previously hit Florida, with none in the last 155 years since records began.
As the hurricane season progresses, heavy rainfall is anticipated across Florida. Federal forecasters indicate that rain from the outer bands of the storm will impact the west coast on Sunday, with more significant rainfall expected Monday to Wednesday, potentially leading to flash flooding and moderate river flooding.
Residents in the storm’s potential path, particularly those in the Tampa Bay area, are advised to prepare by gathering essential supplies and following guidance from local officials. Pinellas County is providing sandbags to residents, while officials urge everyone to stock up on food, water, fuel, and medication in anticipation of potential disruptions.