As the United States continues to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, another tropical storm named Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a report by CBS News. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a warning that Tropical Storm Milton could bring substantial storm surges and heavy rainfall, especially to regions still reeling from the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Debby. To support the upcoming recovery and preparation efforts, FEMA has already deployed hundreds of personnel across Florida in anticipation of Milton’s potential impact.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton is expected to intensify rapidly, with forecasts indicating it could strengthen into a major hurricane by Sunday night. The storm is projected to move toward the west coast of Florida by the middle of next week, prompting emergency preparations across the state. In response, authorities are urging communities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
At present, Tropical Storm Milton is located 365 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and approximately 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida. The storm has sustained winds of 45 mph and is currently moving in a north-northeast direction at a speed of 5 mph. As it continues to move across the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Milton is expected to undergo rapid intensification, potentially becoming a major hurricane. A major hurricane is defined as a Category 3 or higher, with wind speeds exceeding 111 mph, posing a serious threat to the Florida coastline.
The forecast of Tropical Storm Milton comes just over a week after the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. Helene caused widespread destruction, resulting in the loss of at least 229 lives across six states. Florida’s Big Bend region was particularly hard-hit, with ongoing recovery efforts leaving thousands of people without power or access to essential services. The hurricane caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and cleanup operations are still underway in many areas.
Following a visit to the affected regions, President Joe Biden described the rebuilding efforts as a massive undertaking, estimating that the total cost of recovery will run into billions of dollars. He noted that many communities are still struggling to cope with the devastation left in Helene’s wake, adding urgency to the preparations for Tropical Storm Milton.
In response to the imminent threat of Milton, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 35 counties on Saturday. The governor emphasized the importance of being prepared for the storm’s potential landfall, urging residents to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety. DeSantis reassured Floridians that the state is taking steps to stage critical assets, including teams for search and rescue operations, power restoration efforts, and roadway clearing, to ensure that response efforts are swift and effective.
According to forecasts, Florida can expect heavy rainfall starting on Sunday and continuing into Monday, with the storm’s strongest winds and rain expected to arrive in the middle of the week. The National Hurricane Center has warned that rainfall totals could range between 5 to 12 inches across the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys, raising serious concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas. In light of these predictions, hurricane and storm surge watches are likely to be issued for portions of Florida as early as Sunday.
Authorities are urging residents in the potentially affected areas to finalise their hurricane preparedness plans and to keep a close watch on updates from local officials and the National Hurricane Center. It is essential that residents ensure they have enough supplies, secure their homes, and prepare for possible evacuations as Milton approaches.
In summary, Tropical Storm Milton is expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane and poses a serious threat to Florida’s west coast. With heavy rainfall, storm surges, and potentially damaging winds forecasted, emergency measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of those in the storm’s path. As the state continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, the impending arrival of Milton underscores the need for preparedness and swift response.
