Tropical Storm Milton has emerged in the Gulf of Mexico, and meteorologists anticipate it will swiftly become a major hurricane over the next few days.
Forecasters predict that Milton will intensify rapidly within the next 36 hours and may reach Category 3 status when it impacts the west coast of Florida later this week. This development poses significant risks for areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene last month as well as Hurricane Ian from 2022, according to the National Hurricane Center. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across multiple counties including Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, and more.
Hurricane watches may be issued by late Sunday for certain regions in Florida. Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, indicated that Milton could turn into a “potentially very impactful hurricane” when it approaches the Florida peninsula on Tuesday or Wednesday.
At landfall, Milton is forecasted to have maximum sustained winds of around 115 mph, which is considered a strong Category 2 to low Category 3 hurricane. Meteorologists warn that severe winds of up to 140 mph upon landfall could result in extensive structural damage.
While Milton is expected to produce dangerous winds and heavy rainfall, Hurricane Kirk is also influencing wave patterns in the Atlantic, which may affect the East Coast of the U.S. this weekend.
Residents in the Florida peninsula are advised to prepare their hurricane plans and stay updated on forecasts, although no evacuations have yet been ordered. The potential for significant rainfall and flooding exists, with forecasts suggesting 8-12 inches of rain and localized amounts potentially reaching 30 inches.
As Milton progresses northeast, southern Florida may experience tornado risks, while regions of southern Georgia and South Carolina could face wind speeds of 40 to 60 mph.
In the Atlantic, Hurricane Kirk remains distant but is expected to generate dangerous surf and rip current conditions along the U.S. East Coast and beyond.
Currently, Hurricane Leslie is also active in the east Atlantic but is not expected to have any land impacts.