Tropical Storm Milton is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane within three days as it heads towards Florida’s severely affected west coast, according to federal meteorologists.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Milton is quickly developing into “an intense hurricane with multiple life-threatening hazards” affecting areas around the Tampa Bay region. Forecasters predict that the storm will achieve hurricane status, characterized by sustained winds of at least 74 mph, within 36 hours, and major hurricane status, a Category 3 storm with winds of at least 111 mph, within 72 hours.
In a proactive measure, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 35 counties, including Pinellas County, which is still in recovery from Hurricane Helene. The emergency declaration warns of potential “life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts” along the west coast starting Tuesday evening and extending into Wednesday.
Milton’s rapid intensification from a tropical depression to a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico highlights the ongoing risks faced by the Southeast. This development follows closely after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26, leading to severe flooding across several states.
Milton is powered by exceptionally warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, where buoys recorded temperatures near 86 degrees, surpassing the air temperature by 2 degrees. This storm stands out as one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons on record, with Milton now being the sixth named storm this season.
As of 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, Milton was located 245 miles north of Veracruz, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds around 40 mph and a slow movement of 3 mph to the north-northeast. Current forecasts project Milton will reach major hurricane status by Tuesday afternoon, potentially impacting the Pinellas County coastline by Wednesday afternoon.
The hurricane center emphasized the potential for heavy rain even before the storm’s arrival, with areas in Florida expecting significant rainfall late Sunday and into the following days, raising concerns about flash flooding and moderate river flooding.
Residents in areas likely affected, including the Tampa Bay region, are advised to prepare by ensuring they have hurricane plans, following local officials’ guidance, and staying updated with forecast changes. Pinellas County is providing sandbags to residents as a precaution. The National Hurricane Center recommends that people have ample food and water supply, fuel in their vehicles, charged cellphones, necessary medications, and cash on hand to prepare for the potential disruptions.