Florida Braces for Tropical Storm Milton: Life-Threatening Impacts Expected

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Florida Prepares for a New Threat

Just days after Hurricane Helene devastated Florida, residents are now bracing for Tropical Storm Milton, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Milton is expected to strengthen to near "major hurricane strength" by the time it reaches Florida's west coast next week, bringing life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain, and damaging winds.

Where is Milton and What’s the Forecast?

As of 1 p.m. ET, Milton was located 220 miles north-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico, with sustained winds of 40 mph, moving north-northeast at 3 mph. “There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning late Tuesday or Wednesday,” the NHC said. Florida residents are urged to have a hurricane plan in place.

Rainfall and Flooding Concerns

Heavy rainfall is expected to begin Sunday, with increased intensity from Tuesday to Wednesday, raising the risk of flash flooding and river flooding. The NHC advises that these conditions could result in dangerous urban and rural flooding across impacted areas.

Helene’s Destruction Still Lingers

Florida is still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which made landfall with 140 mph winds, leaving at least 20 dead in the state and causing widespread destruction across the Southeast. Thousands of residents remain without power, and the state’s recovery efforts are stretched thin as it faces yet another storm.

An Active Hurricane Season

This has been an exceptionally active hurricane season, with Milton becoming the 13th named storm in the Atlantic. Typically, this level of activity isn’t seen until late October. With Tropical Storm Milton approaching, the state is on high alert, and FEMA’s funds are reportedly running low, raising concerns that Congress may need to approve additional emergency funding.

Attribution source: Yahoo.com