Tropical Storm Milton Develops in the Gulf: NHC Warns of Potential Impacts for Florida

Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, with sustained winds of 40 mph, moving north-northeast at 3 mph. The storm is forecasted to strengthen, posing potential risks to Florida’s West Coast by midweek. Rainfall of 5 to 10 inches may lead to flooding, and the NHC has not issued any warnings at this time. Other storms, including Hurricane Kirk and Leslie, are also being tracked due to their potential impacts on coastal regions.

TAMPA, Florida (WFLA) — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced the formation of Tropical Storm Milton in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. According to the NHC’s update released at 1:25 p.m., the storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour and is currently advancing in a north-northeast direction at a speed of 3 miles per hour. The NHC projects that Tropical Storm Milton will likely intensify, posing potential life-threatening hazards to regions along Florida’s West Coast in the upcoming week. Max Defender 8 Meteorologist Rebecca Barry suggested that, “We expect a tropical storm or a Category 1 hurricane to track across the state late Tuesday night into Wednesday.” At this juncture, the NHC has not issued any watches or warnings. Meteorologist Barry also noted, “It’s too soon to tell what areas will be impacted the most, as that will depend heavily on landfall location.” The NHC anticipates gusty winds and substantial rainfall will commence in Florida and parts of Mexico, starting this weekend and continuing into the early part of next week. According to Max Defender 8 Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli, heavy rainfall is expected to initiate on Sunday as the first wave of moisture approaches Florida’s coastline. He further emphasized that, “Given that the ground is saturated after one of the rainiest wet seasons on record, any downpours will lead to flooding.” While uncertainty remains regarding the precise trajectory and intensity of the storm when it reaches Florida by Wednesday, forecasts suggest that areas from Central to South Florida could receive rainfall amounts ranging from 5 to 10 inches. Additionally, a tropical wave that recently emerged off the coast of Africa has a 30% chance of development within the next week as it progresses across the Atlantic. Meanwhile, Hurricane Kirk continues to pose a threat as a major hurricane with sustained winds of 120 miles per hour, and is expected to generate significant swells impacting the U.S. East Coast by Sunday. Hurricane Leslie, located further west in the Tropical East Atlantic, has also gained strength, now exhibiting winds of 80 miles per hour, while moving in a west-northwest direction.

The text addresses the recent development of Tropical Storm Milton in the Gulf of Mexico, detailing its formation, movement, potential impacts, and associated weather conditions expected in Florida and parts of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) provides ongoing monitoring and forecasts that include warnings about potential flooding due to saturation from previous rainfall. The article also briefly mentions other tropical systems, namely Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie, and their respective statuses. Such information is crucial for public preparedness during the hurricane season, as timely updates can help minimize risks associated with severe weather events.

In summary, Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is projected to strengthen, potentially impacting Florida’s West Coast with significant rainfall and hazardous conditions by midweek. While there is no immediate physical alert from the National Hurricane Center, residents are urged to remain watchful as the trajectory and intensity of the storm are still evolving. Additionally, other storms in the Atlantic, such as Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie, are being monitored for their potential impacts.

Original Source: www.wrbl.com