Tropical Storm Milton live updates: Florida braces for another hurricane this week
Hurricane Milton: Live tracker
- Here’s when it’s forecast to hit and what areas could be affected.
- How do hurricanes form and why is their east side worse?
Meteorologists predict that Hurricane Milton could reach major hurricane status, potentially becoming a Category 3 storm, by the time it makes landfall. The storm is tapping into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, fueling its rapid growth.
To be classified as a Category 3 hurricane, Milton would need to maintain winds of at least 111 mph. Some models suggest the storm could potentially reach Category 3 status with winds up to 115 mph by the time it makes landfall.
Milton has now officially become a hurricane churning up strength in the western part of the Gulf of Mexico. Meteorologists are forecasting that the tropical cyclone will move east this week heading toward Florida. The current forecast is that Milton will become a major hurricane, a Category 3 or higher.
While it is still too early “to specify the exact magnitude and location of the greatest impacts,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS), “there is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast of Florida beginning Tuesday night or early Wednesday.”
What will Milton bring?
Hurricane Milton is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall and life-threatening storm surges, particularly impacting areas still recovering from previous storms like Helene and Debby. Wind speeds could exceed 110 mph, posing serious risks to infrastructure and safety
Less than 10 days after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, the Sunshine State is bracing for another potentially devastating blow from Milton.
Here’s when it’s forecast to hit and what areas could be affected.
Live tracker of the hurricane
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As Hurricane Milton approaches the Gulf Coast, residents and officials are ramping up preparations for what is anticipated to be a significant weather event.
The storm, which has already intensified into a hurricane, is expected to make landfall along Florida's west coast by Tuesday or Wednesday, potentially as a Category 3 hurricane.