FLORIDA, USA: Florida is once again under threat, just days after Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation. Tropical Storm Milton, forming in the western Gulf of Mexico, is expected to intensify into a Category 3 hurricane by midweek. Forecasts predict life-threatening impacts along Florida’s west coast, with winds reaching 115 mph.
Milton’s rapid growth is fueled by warm sea temperatures and low wind shear, which could result in a major hurricane by the time it makes landfall. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of heavy rainfall, dangerous storm surges, and tornadoes, particularly in regions already battered by Helene.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 35 counties as Florida prepares for Milton’s potential destruction. The state is also bracing for severe flooding, as much of Florida has already experienced record rainfall this year. The NHC advises residents in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Florida, and the Bahamas to monitor the storm closely for updates.
This second storm compounds the devastation from Helene, which left a path of destruction across six states, resulting in over 200 deaths. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions as the state faces yet another potentially catastrophic weather event.
