Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, possibly impacting Florida’s western coast, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The storm is currently moving north-northeast with sustained winds of 40 mph, and it may rapidly intensify into a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall, according to reports.
This forecast follows just over a week after Hurricane Helene hit Florida and the Southeast, resulting in more than 200 deaths and widespread damage.
President Biden visited Florida’s Big Bend area, where Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm, and noted that recovery efforts will cost billions, with many still without basic services.
Milton is expected to move across the Gulf of Mexico over the next few days, bringing heavy rain and winds to Florida’s west coast by midweek.
The NHC predicts that hurricane and storm surge watches could be issued for parts of Florida by Sunday, with risks of flooding as well.
Residents are urged to have a hurricane plan in place and stay updated on local advisories.
