Florida’s Gulf Coast, still reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, is now bracing for another major hurricane. Tropical Storm Milton is rapidly intensifying and is projected to hit the region as a Category 3 hurricane by mid-week, bringing with it the potential for significant damage and disruption.
The storm’s top winds reached 60 mph early Sunday while it was approximately 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa. The US National Hurricane Center predicts Milton to escalate into a Category 3 hurricane, potentially reaching 120-mph winds by the time it makes landfall on Wednesday.
In anticipation of the impending storm, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) has declared a state of emergency in 35 counties. AccuWeather Inc. meteorologist Brandon Buckingham described the situation as “scary” and urged residents not to underestimate the threat. He expects conditions to deteriorate significantly by late Tuesday or Tuesday night, with Wednesday being the most impactful day.
Milton is set to be the second major hurricane to strike the US in a span of two weeks, following Hurricane Helene, which caused billions of dollars in damage and claimed hundreds of lives. This hurricane season has already seen 13 storms forming across the Atlantic Ocean, with four hurricanes, including Helene and Beryl in July, making landfall in the US.
As Milton moves eastward across the Gulf, it is expected to gain strength from the warm water and minimal adverse atmospheric conditions. However, it might weaken slightly due to dry air and wind shear as it approaches the shore. Senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, Jack Beven, has urged residents along the Florida shoreline to prepare for “a powerful hurricane with life-threatening hazards” expected to affect parts of the Florida west coast around midweek.
The upcoming impact of Hurricane Milton highlights the increasing intensity and frequency of hurricanes in recent years, raising concerns about the long-term effects of climate change on the planet. As Florida prepares for the storm, authorities are urging residents to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and prioritize safety.
